Tripoli

Mseilha Fort is a medieval fortification situated north of the city of Batroun. It is built on a long, narrow limestone rock near the Nahr el-Jawz River. The larger limestone blocks are the only remains of an earlier structure probably built for the same defensive reason. Scholars have studied the history and architecture of Mseilha. Some assume that the rock on which the fort stands was used since ancient times as a military position. The fort is not really big, but it is a fascinating stop on our way to Tripoli. Tripoli's Castle was built by the Mamluks in 1289, stood on hilltop and was stronghold for sultan's troops. Very little of the original Crusader structure has survived until this day. The graves of a number of nameless Frankish knights, here and there, are the only bits of evidence today evocative of their presence on the heights of Tripoli's "Pilgrim's Mountain" many centuries ago. From the top we'll have an amazig view over both sides of Tripoli. This will be the main part of the tour, where we'll walk aroud the narrow streets of the old town. While wondering around the clothes, food, gold and parfumes sections of the souk we will be visiting Al Mansouri mosque, the soap museum and some hammams. Our tour will end with a walk on the corniche along side the Mediterranean Sea, looking at the two main Islands of Tripoli, Palm and Rabbit Islands. Then we can sit down and taste some freshly catched fish and other dishes of lebanese cousine before heading back home.