Al Athrun

The small town of Al Athrun is located in northern Libya, about 40 km east of Cyrene, 9 km east of Ras al Hilal, and 29 km west of Derna.

One of the town’s main attractions are its two Byzantine basilicas, beautifully situated by the sea and adorned with white marble from Proconnesus. The basilicas at Al Athrun are considered better preserved than those at Ras al Hilal.

The Western Church: Perched on a bluff above the Mediterranean, it must once have been a spectacular place of worship. The walls remain intact, and the sanctuary is scattered with marble pillars, many marked with carved crosses, snakes, and other motifs.

The Eastern Church: Located about 150 meters to the east, it lies across a rocky cove with cave tombs carved into the cliffs. Though less dramatic, it adds to the site’s historical richness.

Al Athrun lies about 350 meters north of the main road, while the modern village sits to the south, making it an easily accessible yet atmospheric stop for history and archaeology enthusiasts.