Lebanon’s second city — Mamluk architecture, souks and famous sweets.
Tripoli, on the northern coast about 85 km from Beirut, is Lebanon’s second-largest city and home to the country’s finest medieval Islamic architecture. With its towering Crusader citadel, Mamluk-era mosques, khans and hammams, its labyrinthine old souks and its famous sweets, Tripoli is one of Lebanon’s most rewarding and authentic cities to explore.
"Quick facts",
Tripoli flourished under the Mamluks from the late 13th century, who filled it with mosques, madrasas, khans and hammams — the largest concentration of Mamluk architecture in Lebanon. Above the old city looms the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, a Crusader fortress much rebuilt over the centuries, while the port district of Al-Mina recalls the city’s long maritime tradition.
A vast Crusader fortress with commanding views over the old city.
A maze of markets for gold, soap, spices and crafts.
Beautiful medieval monuments throughout the old city.
The city is famous across Lebanon for its Arabic sweets.
Tripoli is about 85 km north of Beirut — roughly a 1.5-hour drive up the coast. It’s visited on a guided city tour, and pairs well with the coastal town of Batroun on the way.
Its Crusader citadel, its outstanding Mamluk-era mosques and khans, its bustling old souks, and its famous Arabic sweets.
About 85 km — roughly a 1.5-hour drive north along the coast.
Yes — it has the richest medieval Islamic architecture in Lebanon and a wonderfully authentic old city.
