Discover the fascinating history & old souks of Tripoli

Discover the fascinating history & old souks of Tripoli

Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli, is a city which derives its unique character by embracing a relaxed lifestyle whilst maintaining its traditional values, creating a stark contrast to the cosmopolitan feel of Beirut. The Tripoli experience incorporates many of the historical wonders of this Northern city.

Itinerary
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Stop At: The Clock Tower, Tripoli Lebanon

The Clock tower is one of the most iconic monuments in Tripoli. The tower is located in Al-Tell square, and was constructed by the Ottomans as a gift to the city of Tripoli.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Khan Al-Khayyatin, Tripoli Lebanon

One of the most beautiful buildings in the old city, this semi-open vaulted-roofed khan was formerly a Crusader hospital and is today a beautifully restored 14th-century tailors’ souq lined with small workshops. These specialise in women's clothing ranging from niqabs to leopard-print leggings.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Ezzeddine Hammam, Amir Fakhreddine Street Near Souk el-Nahhassin, Tripoli Lebanon

Ezzedine's bath follows very closely the pattern and arrangement of Syrian baths. For the practical purpose of saving and keeping heat, this bathhouse, like most hammams, is surrounded by buildings and is hardly visible from the outside; as was also then customary, the facade was kept plain.

Though no longer operational, Hammam Ezzedine in the Hadid district, near the Souk el-Nahhassin and the Khan al-Khayyatin is an impressive historical site that occupies a 745 square metre area and that has undergone extensive restoration.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Taynal Mosque, Tripoli Lebanon

Standing on its own to the south of the souqs on the outskirts of the Old City, but well worth the walk, is this restored green-domed mosque by the central Muslim cemetery. Dating from 1336, it represents probably the most outstanding example of Islamic religious architecture in Tripoli. The prayer hall is a marvellous space with an ornate inlaid pulpit, elegant lamps and stone vaulting. Note the re-used columns and capitals from Byzantine-era buildings.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Citadel Saint Gilles (Qal'at Sinjil), El Amir Fakhreddine, Tripoli Lebanon

The well preserved ‘Qal’at Saint-Gilles’ is still visible in the twentieth century, in the centre of the modern city of Tripoli. At the time of the arrival of the Crusaders, however, the city extended no further than the Mina’ quarter, the port, which lay at the end of a peninsula access to which was controlled by this famous fortress.

This fortress was the first ever of its kind. No caravan could reach or leave Tripoli without being intercepted by Saint-Gilles’s men.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Connexion Beirut - Tripoli Bus, Tripoli, Lebanon

Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli, is a city which derives its unique character by embracing a relaxed lifestyle whilst maintaining its traditional values, creating a stark contrast to the cosmopolitan feel of Beirut. The Tripoli experience incorporates many of the historical wonders of this Northern city. We will visit the old Souks where visitors are known to “feel” the presence of the old souls who once populated the old Hammams, gathered in the beautiful architecture of the mosques and attended the colourful Madrassas. There will be plenty of time to enjoy some local delicacies from the street vendors and listen to stories from some of the locals who are always happy to talk to visitors. Our day then moves to the historic Saint Gilles Citadel, providing the chance to hear more about the history of the area, as well as offering spectacular views and photo opportunities of the entire city of Tripoli. From the Saint Gilles Citadel we will make our last stop of the day at the seaside city of El Mina, where we will wander some of the enchanting, colourful alleyways that provide much of the area’s character, before stopping to visit the old Tripoli Railway Station which has its own special place in Lebanon’s heritage.

Duration: 2 hours