Al Tal city square is a 19-20th century development with its most historic buildings commissioned by the Ottomans. It has Ottoman and European influenced buildings on account of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent French Colonization.

The bustle in the center that visitors see today is no surprise, as it has been a hub for culture since its conception. Perhaps its most inspirational buildings are the Nawfal Palace, the Palace Hotel and its clock tower.

One of the most recognizable sites in Tripoli is its famous clock tower. Built in 1902, it was a gift to the locals from the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II at his 10th anniversary as a sultan.