Sirte, Libya

Welcome to Sirte, a city in Libya located south of the Gulf of Sirte, between Tripoli and Benghazi. Despite its tumultuous history and association with former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Sirte has much to offer visitors. The city was established in the early 20th century by the Italians and grew into a prominent town after World War II. Sirte was transformed by Gaddafi into a showcase of his self-proclaimed revolution, with an extensive program of public works expanding the former village into a small city. After the fall of Tripoli in 2011, Sirte was briefly the capital of Libya. The city was the final major stronghold of Gaddafi loyalists in the civil war and was left almost completely in ruins, but has since been rebuilt. Sirte is also steeped in history, with the ancient Phoenician city of Macomedes-Euphranta located nearby. Visitors can explore the old city walls, forts, and mosque, as well as indulge in local fruits and tender goat meat. Despite its past, Sirte is looking towards a brighter future and welcomes travelers to discover its charm.