LIBYA DESTINATIONS
Explore Al-Athrun
The Marble Churches of the Forgotten Coast
Al-Athrun (Erythron)
A serene coastal site where Byzantine churches with marble columns meet turquoise seas — a must-visit for history lovers and photographers seeking Libya’s hidden beauty.
Al-Athrun, also known as Erythron in antiquity, is a small coastal town in northeastern Libya that holds a surprising wealth of Byzantine-era treasures. Nestled along the Mediterranean between Ras al-Helal and Derna, it was once part of the Greek and later Roman world, flourishing especially under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565 CE).
The site is most famous for its two richly adorned basilicas, known as the Eastern and Western Churches, both built from gleaming white-blue marble imported from Proconnesus (modern-day Marmara Island, Turkey). The Eastern Church, perched near the sea, still features marble columns engraved with early Christian symbols, mosaic fragments, and carved capitals — whispering stories of faith and artistry from over 1,400 years ago.
In ancient times, Al-Athrun’s Greek name Erythron meant “red,” likely referencing the reddish hue of the surrounding cliffs. Its archaeological remains include rock-cut tombs, fragments of Roman fortifications, and Byzantine inscriptions. Though small, the site embodies Libya’s deep connection to the early Christian world, bridging Mediterranean trade routes and spiritual traditions.
Today, Al-Athrun rewards visitors with breathtaking coastal views, solitude, and a sense of discovery. Standing amid marble ruins with waves crashing nearby, travelers can almost hear the echo of Byzantine hymns carried on the sea breeze.
Geographical Context
Located in northeastern Libya’s Derna district, about 9 km east of Ras al-Helal and 50 km east of Al-Bayda, along the scenic coastal highway of the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) region.
Practical Information
When to Go:
Best Months: March–May or September–November for cool, clear conditions and calm seas.
Winter can bring light rain and rougher coastal winds.
What to Bring:
Walking shoes for uneven terrain near ruins.
Light jacket for coastal breezes.
Camera for capturing marble details and seascapes.
Accessibility:
Easily reachable by car via the coastal highway.
Ruins are spread across open terrain; minimal facilities on-site.
Nearby Pairings
Ras al-Helal: Lush coastal waterfalls and forested hills nearby.
Apollonia: Ancient harbor city west along the coast.
Qasr Mosaic Museum: Byzantine art connection within an hour’s drive.
Traveler Tip
Visit in the afternoon when the sunlight strikes the marble remains, bringing out their subtle blue-white tones against the deep blue of the Mediterranean.
