Martyrs' Square — known variously as Green Square and Piazza Italia through its complicated political history — is the symbolic heart of Tripoli. The large open plaza sits between the old medina and the seafront, bordered by Italian colonial-era government buildings on two sides and the harbour on a third. Gaddafi gave his most famous speeches here; crowds celebrated the fall of his regime here in 2011.
The square is surrounded by some of the city's most notable Italian colonial architecture, including the Bank of Libya building and several government ministries. The corniche runs along the waterfront edge, with views across the harbour. The square itself is usually busy with traffic and pedestrians and serves as a useful orientation point when exploring the old city.