Tripoli Lebanon Attractions

Tripoli also means “Triple city”. In the early days it was a center of three city states- Sidon, Tyre, and Arados. After Beirut it is Tripoli that stands to be the second largest city in Lebanon. Lebanon attractions – Tripoli belong to the crusaders from past. It also has the second-largest port in Lebanon after Beirut. Crusaders including Romans, Arabs and Persians always had an eye on the Tripoli.

But the control of the crusaders in Tripoli can be said to be the most eminent and the most famous in history. The result is that a large number of materials, monuments and other remains related to Crusade effect is left in Tripoli. These work as an attraction for tourists and draw them to Lebanon attractions – Tripoli where majority of remains from the past are related to the crusaders

Lion’s tower

: Out of many famous and remarkable remains of the crusaders, one is Lion’s tower. The lions carved in relief stood above the entrance which gave the monument its name.
West portal consists of Mamluke black and pattern of white stone. Roman columns in the wall are placed horizontally which is easily seen from outside.

Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles

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In Arabic, Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles is also called Qala'at Sanjil. It is a famous and well known fort in Tripoli. It derived its name from Raymond de Saint-Gilles. Raymond de Saint-Gilles was a leader of crusades. It is believed that he lost his eye when he was traveling to Jerusalem as a pilgrim. This happened before the first crusade. He dominated the city in the year 1102.
Citadel after many years was built by Ottoman Empire. Suleyman who ordered restoration has an engraving over the Ottoman gateway. Ottoman governor of Tripoli called Mustafa Agha Barbar restored Citadel in the 19th century. It is one of the most well known Lebanon attractions – Tripoli

St. John Pilgrims Mount Church:

St. John pilgrims mount church is one of the very important remains of the crusaders from the past. It was found in the Maronite cemetery of St. John. It is situated at 200 meters distance on south of the castle of Abu Samra hill. Surrounded by crusader cemetery, it has two joined chapels, the larger one having semi-circular apse and the smaller one having rectangular apse, remained for the purpose of funerary use.

Mosques in Tripoli:

Great mosque built in 1315 is a very famous and ancient mosque which was built on a crusader cathedral of the 12th century. It has large courtyards, porticos, prayer hall, and bell tower in the Lombard style which was soon transformed into minaret. They reflect the Mamluke life period.
Tanyal mosque in Tripoli was built in 1336 by Saif ed-Dine Taynal on a church site. Few elements of original structure were used again in the mosque. Entrance of the second prayer hall in Tanyal mosque resembles the beauty of the rich and primitive architectural decoration during the Mamule period in Tripoli.
Also called the “hanging mosque” Al-Muallaq Mosque is on the second floor. It was built in the mid 16th century. It has a beautiful courtyard garden, whitewashed interior and an octagonal minaret which is not adorned yet attracts the tourists.
Other mosques in Tripoli are Burtasiyat Madrassa mosque, Al-Qartawiyat madrassa, Masrassa al Tuwashiyat, etc.

Hammams in Tripoli

: Hammam el-Abed is Tripoli’s only functioning hammam built in 17th century. It is a living museum which is beautiful and traditional. Hummam Al Jadid built in 1740 is called “new bath” and is believed to be one of the largest Hammams in Tripoli.
Khan Al- Khayyatin is one of the oldest remains of the Byzantine and crusaders from past. Its structure consists of long passageways with very tall arches on both sides. It gives an ancient and grand look to the historical structure.

Other Lebanon attractions – Tripoli are International fairs in Tripoli that take place in a fairground. All the exhibitions, trade fairs and other attractive events take place over here.

Qalamoun in the south of Tripoli is famous for its brass industry. Offshore islands for the tourists are an interesting place to visit. These islands too hold adventurous crusader remains.