John Boxley / NBC News
Longtime Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's former Bab al-Azizya compound, seen here on Oct. 6, 2011, has become a tourist destination.
By John Boxley, NBC News Producer
TRIPOLI ? They arrive by the carload day and night: Liberated Libyans coming to experience Tripoli's latest tourist attraction.
It?s called Bab Al-Azizyia, but it is better known as Col. Moammar Gadhafi's compound.
For most Libyans it was strictly off-limits during Gadhafi's 42-year reign of Libya ? but not anymore.
During the weeks since Libya?s rebels entered Tripoli and the longtime dictator vanished into the night, the sprawling complex has become the must-see spot in town.
John Boxley / NBC News
Libyan vendors sell goods at Gadhafi's former compound.
"This site belongs to the Libyan people now,? said Aman, a 27-year-old who didn?t give her last name while she visited the compound for the first time Thursday.?
The compound, which stretches across more than two miles, includes military barracks and was the main base of operations for Gadhafi, his family had a house on the property.
The compound has clearly seen better days. After the six-month conflict, the walls are covered in graffiti and bullet holes. Torched cars and army tanks litter the landscape. There is rubble and debris everywhere.
John Boxley / NBC News
Abdulla-Abuassara visits Gadhafi's former compound on Thursday with his children.
The building where the Gadhafi family once lived is in ruins. ?It looks unstable, but that hasn't scared off Libyan families, looking to see how the former dictator once lived, and of course, posing for pictures.
Abdulla-Abuassara, 42, brought his six children for a visit Thursday. He said he wanted to show his kids where ?the liar? lived.
While we chatted, Abuassara turned to look at the building behind him, smiled and said the compound had "the smell of freedom."
One of the most popular attractions is the compound?s mysterious underground tunnels. Did Gadhafi use the tunnels to escape? Young thrill seekers bravely climb down the small manholes, eager and curious.
Embattled Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi may have used a network of tunnels to elude capture. NBC's Richard Engel, who saw those tunnels first-hand, reports.
And what's a tourist attraction without souvenirs? No worry, they've figured that out. Vendors are on hand, with an assortment of Libyan mementos, from watches to flags.
Ibrahim, a 25-year-old banker who also gave only his first name, came to do some shopping and to see what he calls "the freedom of Libya.?
John Boxley / NBC News
Vendors sell items from sweat bands to jewelry with the new Libyan flag at Gadhafi's former compound on Oct. 6, 2011.
But not all Libyans are happy to see what has become of Bab Al-Azizyia.? Mohammad Ali, another visitor, said he wants to see the compound rebuilt, the way it used to be.
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