Cities and regions／Libya
Place of interest ·

Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna was a port city shaped by its harbour, Wadi Lebda, warehouses and market. Its history includes Phoenician and Roman periods; the site is on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Wide view of the archaeological ruins of Leptis Magna on the Libyan coast.
Photo by Francesco Bandarin Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 igo
The place

What makes it special

  • The ancient harbour included an artificial basin and works to regulate the water.
  • The market, warehouses and workshops illuminate the city’s trade and daily life.
  • The site includes forums, baths and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Columns and paving in a public space at Leptis Magna.
Photo by Autor no identificado Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Remains of Leptis Magna's ancient harbour near the mouth of Wadi Lebda.
Photo by Sludge G Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Leptis Magna

Guides to this place

1 article

Leptis Magna

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Wide view of the archaeological ruins of Leptis Magna on the Libyan coast.

Leptis Magna’s Ancient Port City and Why Travel Should Wait

Leptis Magna is best understood by tracing the relationship between the wadi, harbour, market, warehouses and neighbourhoods rather than chasing isolated monuments. But today, the first practical decision is not the itinerary: for US travellers, the current official recommendation is not to travel to Libya.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 26/09/2026