Barsbay Tower, Zgharta Travel Guide

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Explore the historic Barsbay Tower in Tripoli, a 15th-century Mamluk fortress with stunning architecture and panoramic views.

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Barsbay Tower

Barsbay Tower, also known as the Lion Tower, is a 15th-century Mamluk fortress on the Tripoli harbor, serving as a key part of the city's coastal defenses. Its architecture features a blend of functionality and Mamluk aesthetics, incorporating repurposed Roman columns and decorative elements.

A brief summary to Barsbay Tower

CRXJ+X65, Tripoli, LB
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Barsbay Tower.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photographs.
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing to the top of the tower to fully enjoy the panoramic views.
Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.

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Explore Barsbay Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Barsbay Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Tripoli city center, head east towards the coast. The tower is located approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the center of Tripoli, at the far eastern end of the harbor. Follow the main road along the harbor, keeping the sea to your left. You'll pass local shops and cafes along the way. The tower will become visible in the distance. The walk takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Public Transport

Local buses operate in Tripoli, but routes and signage can be challenging for tourists. A more convenient option is a shared yellow-and-white taxi. Hail one down by stating your destination. A short taxi ride from the city center to Barsbay Tower typically costs around 10,000 to 20,000 LBP.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Tripoli. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A taxi ride from the city center to Barsbay Tower typically costs around 10,000 to 20,000 LBP. Taxi fares in Tripoli have a starting price of 6 USD, with each KM priced at 1 USD.

Discover more about Barsbay Tower

Standing at the far eastern end of Tripoli's harbor, Barsbay Tower is a well-preserved example of Mamluk military architecture. Constructed in either the 14th or 15th century, the tower was built to protect the coastal city from naval threats during conflicts with Crusader forces and the rising Ottoman Empire. Some historians attribute its construction to Sultan Barquq, while others believe Sultan Barsbay commissioned it during his time as the deputy of Tripoli. The tower was later restored in the 15th century by Emir Julban and Sultan Qaitbay.The rectangular tower is built with large limestone blocks and features a portico with decorative stonework, combining white and black stone blocks in the Mamluk style. Repurposed Roman granite columns are embedded horizontally into the walls for structural reinforcement. The tower's defensive architecture includes a sloping base to deflect projectiles and arrowslits for archers. A relief molding frames the portal, and a rectangular relief frame above the door once displayed heraldic lion carvings, inspiring the tower's name.Visitors can explore the tower's two levels, with a large hall on the ground floor supported by stone pillars. A stone staircase leads to the upper floor, where a multi-vaulted hall features a small mosque with a mihrab and two windows. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean coastline.