Tripoli’s central historical site, Raymond de Saint Gilles Citadel is also called by the locals Qala’at San Jil and Qala’at Tarablus and is considered one of the top-visited sites in Tripoli. This unique piece of architecture was built in 1102 on a hilltop by the crusader Raymond VI of Saint Gilles. The castle was followed by restoration and renovation works when the Mamluk occupied the city.
Two things that you can definitely enjoy in the castle, beside the historical and architectural masterpiece,s is the sweet breeze inside. Besides, this citadel is located between Rfa’iyeh Downhill and Abi Samra areas.
Tripoli castle has the ideal defensive fortifications, complete with balconies above the metal doors and arrow slits in the walls. The castle’s underwater corridors acted as commanders’ escape routes and one of which is said to extend all the way to El-Mina, Tripoli’s port.