The crossing arches
Four marble faces.
Abudena — CC BY-SA 4.0 · SashaCoachman — CC BY-SA 3.0 · أوس — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arie M. den Toom — CC BY-SA 4.0 · أوس — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Arch of Marcus Aurelius is a Roman triumphal arch in the Old City of Tripoli, known in antiquity as Oea. It is a four-sided arch built entirely of marble and topped by an unusual octagonal cupola. It is among the best-known Roman remains in the capital, and it stands in a quiet spot between the lanes of the city and the sea. It was put up by Gaius Calpurnius Celsus, a senior official of the city, to commemorate the victories of Lucius Verus, co-ruler with Marcus Aurelius, in the mid 160s AD. It survived as the city changed around it for centuries. Part of it lay buried before modern excavation uncovered it and gave it its present look. You approach along a path lined with old stone pieces and see two great crossing arches, with relief carvings showing winged figures and captives. Standing beneath it, look up at the carved octagonal marble ceiling. Through the arch you can see the white minaret of Gurgi Mosque, among the finest views in the city. It is about 100 m in a straight line from Gurgi Mosque and about 600 m from the Red Castle Museum. It is easy to see from outside, and the best light comes in the morning and before sunset. We found no hours or entry fee. Sources say foreigners need a tour operator or local sponsor to visit Libya. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to this area, so check official guidance before planning.
Four marble faces.
Winged figures and captives.
Carved marble overhead.
Bab al-Bahr, Old City, Tripoli, Libya
Old City of TripoliThe Old City of Tripoli is the walled historic district of the Libyan capital, b1 minute walk
Gurgi MosqueGurgi Mosque is a historic mosque at the heart of the Old City of Tripoli, in th1 minute walk
Red Castle MuseumThe Red Castle Museum is the national museum of Libya, inside the large Red Cast8 minutes walkGaius Calpurnius Celsus, a senior official of the Roman city.
Half an hour is enough, and you can combine it with Gurgi Mosque and the Old City.