Benghazi

Benghazi is a good base to explore Cyrenaica with there main sights such as: Cyrene, Tokra, Apollonia, Tolmeita, and Jebel Al Akhdar. Benghazi is named after Ibn Ghazi, al local holly man renowned in the 15th century. During the history of Benghazi, a lot of settlements have lived and controlled the area. The original settlement of the modern Benghazi was founded by Greek settlers from Cyrene. It was first mentioned in historical records in the 6th century BC. The settlement of Berenice around 249 BC, named after a Cyrenaica princess, and wife of Ptolemy II of Egypt. It fell under sway of the Romans in the 1 century BC. During the Byzantines the city fell into decline. Following the Arab invasion, and it came into a prosperous face when Tripoli merchants took control. Than the Turks, followed by the Italians. During WWII more than 1000 bombs fell on the city. By the time the war ended there was little left. After the war local people from Western Libya came, and started to develop it again.

Highlights of Benghazi:

Old Lighthouse – Built during the Italian occupation, the lighthouse remains a striking coastal landmark.

Old Berenice – Adjacent to the lighthouse lie the remains of the ancient Greek and Roman settlement of Berenice, once a thriving port city.

Byzantine Church – Features fragments of mosaics, offering a glimpse into the city’s early Christian heritage.

Freedom Square – Benghazi’s old town hall, constructed by the Italians. Its grand balcony once hosted speeches by figures such as Mussolini, German Field Marshal Rommel, and King Idris.

Atig Mosque – Originally built in the early 15th century, it is one of Benghazi’s most important religious landmarks.

Souq Al Jreed – A vibrant marketplace stretching over 1 km from Freedom Square to Al Funduq Market, full of local life, goods, and traditions.

Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery – A small but poignant cemetery for Allied soldiers killed during World War II, with graves of Australian, British, Greek, Indian, Jewish, Libyan, South African, Norwegian, and Sudanese soldiers.

Old Egyptian Consulate – A historic building that reflects Benghazi’s regional ties and diplomatic history.