Robert Mouawad Private Museum
The world would be a poorer place if it didnt host idiosyncratic cultural institutions such as this one. Conceived and funded by jeweller and collector Robert Mouawad to showcase his magnificent and eclectic collection of art, furniture, carpets and antiquities, it is housed in the
Burj Es
The only monument of real interest in Al-Mina is the Lion Tower, a miniature fortress at the eastern end of the harbour. Named after the bas-relief lions that used to line the facade, the building dates from the end of the 15th century and was probably built by Mamluk sultan Qaitb
Castle of St Louis
The ruins of this once-impressive castle stand on a mound to the south of town. The present structure dates back to the Crusaders, who built on the site of an earlier Fatimid fortress - as reflected in the local name, Qalaat al-Muizz (Fortress of Al-Muizz) after the Fatimid caliph
Cilicia Museum
The gorgeous collection of Armenian religious and cultural artefacts at the Cilicia Museum is one of Beiruts best-kept secrets. And secrets play a major role in the history of this museum, as most of the collection was smuggled out of what was known as Turkish Armenia in 1915, by m
Temple of Bacchus
Temple of Bacchus . This temple was in fact dedicated to Venus/Astarte, not Bacchus, and is the most beautifully decorated temple in the Roman world. Completed around AD 150, it is also in a great state of preservation. While it wasnt built on the scale of the Temple of Jupiter, it
Baalbek Ruins
The highlights of this stupendous site are its three temples: The Temple of Jupiter , completed around 60 AD; the Temple of Bacchus , known in Roman times as the ‘small temple’ and completed around 150 AD; and the much smaller Temple of Venus , opposite the main temple complex. The
Maghen Abraham Synagogue
Tucked away to the north of the Grand Serail, between Rue France and Wadi Abou Jmil, are the remains of the once grand Maghen Abraham synagogue, which in the early 20th century served a thriving Jewish Beirut community. Though desperately in need of rebuilding, you can still make o
Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of Jupiter was built on an immense substructure over 90m long, and was approached by another monumental staircase that rose high above the surrounding buildings. It consisted of a cella in which the statue of the god was housed and a surrounding portico of 10 columns alo
Corniche
The Corniche is a favourite promenade spot. Families, couples and groups of dressed-up young people saunter along its length, stopping to greet friends or to have a coffee-and-nargileh break at one of the cafés along the route. While many locals say the Corniche starts at Ras Beiru
Jeita Grotto Cave System
One of the Middle Easts greatest natural wonders, the stunning Jeita Grotto Cave System extends around 6km into the mountains 18km northeast of Beirut. Discovered in 1836 and opened as a tourist attraction in 1969, the caves were used as an ammunition store during the civil war des
Souqs
The old covered souqs are the citys highlight, lying between the Sea Castle and the Castle of St Louis. This is where, in labyrinthine alleyways, shopkeepers ply their trades in workshops the same way they have done for centuries. Officially there are some 60 listed historic sites
Palm Islands Reserve
Six nautical miles north west of Tripoli lies the Palm Islands Reserve, which consists of three islands and covers a rough area of 5 sq km of land and sea. Declared a protected site by Unesco in 1992 and dedicated as a nature reserve in 1993, the islands are a haven for endangered
Beiteddine Palace
One of the highlights of the Chouf mountains is the early 19th-century Beiteddine Palace, located in the otherwise unexceptional Beiteddine village around 50km southeast of Beirut.Sitting majestically on a hill surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards, Beiteddine Palace was buil
Archaeological Site
A restored 12th-century Crusader castle surrounded by a 10m-wide dry moat is located just inside the entrance to Byblos atmospheric archaeological site, which incorporates Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins. There are panoramic views over the ruins and harbour from the
Sheikh Abdullah Hill Quarry
Stopping off to see the worlds largest cut stone at the quarry on Sheikh Abdullah Hill, youll undoubtedly hear the tale of Baalbek native Abdul Nabi Al-Afi, who saved it from life at the bottom of a rubbish dump. Measuring 21.5m by 4m by 4.5m, lying on its side, locals call this st
National Museum of Beirut
Located on the former Green Line, this is Beiruts major cultural institution and is an essential stop for all visitors to the city. Its impressive, magnificently displayed collection of archaeological artefacts offers a great overview of Lebanon’s history and the civilisations that
Doing business & staying in touch while in Lebanon
Lebanon: Doing business & staying in touch
Lebanon Weather, Climate and Geography
Lebanon Weather, climate and geography
Lebanon History, Language and Culture
Lebanon History, Language and Culture
Lebanon Travel Guide and Travel Information
Lebanon Travel Guide
