This is Bab-al-Aziziya, a sprawling compound in Tripoli that less than a year ago was home to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Now, most of its buildings have been reduced to rubble - but a funny thing has happened in the few that remain standing.
They've become home to scores of Libyan families.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BAB-ALAZYZYIA RESIDENT, ZAKI SALEM, SAYING:
"Before you wouldn't dare to even look at the walls from outside, and now we are living inside. I feel like a real Libyan citizen, with pride and dignity, to be able to live like that. No more taboos or sacred places I can't go to.
The compound fell about eight months ago, when rebels ousted - and eventually killed - Gaddafi.
Once an inpeneterable fortress, it's now common to see women doing laundry in the main courtyard.
Most say they've moved here because it's cheap.
But life is not easy.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BAB-ALAZYZYIA RESIDENT, SAJJA MOHAMED, SAYING:
"It's bad and not healthy to live here. And it's cold and there is no electricity or water - there is nothing in here."
It's not clear how long they will be able to stay, though.
Libya's transitional government is mulling plans to turn the compound into a park.
Andrew Raven, Reuters
