Martyrs' Square, Tripoli
The Martyrs' Square (Arabic: ميدان الشهداء Maydān ash-Shuhadā'[1][2]); known as Green Square (الساحة الخضراء as-Sāḥah al-Khaḍrā') under the Gaddafi government; Independence Square (ميدان الاستقلال Maydān al-Istiqlāl) during the monarchy; and originally (during Italian colonial rule) known as Piazza Italia ("Italy Square") is a downtown landmark at the bay in the city of Tripoli, Libya. The main commercial center of the city surrounds the square.[3] The Square is also a main tourist attraction in Tripoli. It has a large legendary fountain done by an Italian architect at the centre of the square. The square is the meeting point of many different avenues. Omar Mukhtar Avenue is one of the longest in North Africa, it was built by Italians in the colonial time, and Libyans during the era of King Idris I. Independence Street branches from the square too, and it leads to the Palace of King Idris I. 24 December Avenue is also an Italian built avenue. Mizran Street is the last street that branches from the Martyrs' Square.
Martyrs' Square
ميدان الشهداء
Maydān ash-Shuhadā'
ميدان الشهداء
Maydān ash-Shuhadā'
Intersection of Independence Street, Omar Mukhtar Avenue, 24 December Avenue and Mizran Street
Tripoli, Libya
Facilities[edit]
It features the Red Castle[10] (As-saraya Al-hamra), which hosts Libya's Antiquities Department and the National Museum with a collection of Phoenician, Greek and Roman artefacts. The museum also exhibits a statue of Venus from the Hadrianic Baths at Leptis, a complete Libyan-Roman tomb from the Ghirza region, and a colourful Volkswagen Beetle used by Colonel Gaddafi leading up to the revolution.[11] On the other side, a wide avenue leading towards the seafront with two tall pillars. On top of the pillars are an iron-cast, miniature wooden ship; the other one features a horseback rider.
The Royal Miramare Theatre used to be located across from the Red Castle, but it was demolished by Gaddafi's government after the 1960s to create space for large demonstrations.
