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 Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 3:02 am Post subject: Lebanon Tourism & Travel Guide |
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Lebanon Tourism & Travel Guide
Lebanon is a small country in the Middle East. Until mid 70s, it was a very popular destination for both travelers and businessmen. The capital Beirut was considered as Paris of the middle east.
The civil war changed that. Now that the war is over, Lebanon is getting back on its feet. And it still is a lovely country with ancient monuments, great nature scenery, and the possibility to ski and go the the beach on the same day.
Baalbek is also on your must see list. The ruins are very impressive. Baalbek can be visited easily from the town of Zahle , which is worth a visit itself.
On the coast you'll find several nice places to visit as well, such as Sidon , Tripoli and Tyre. The mountain scenery of Bcharre is great and you should try to find the time to go hiking there.
Don't miss visiting Jeita cave, it's something you would not want to miss.
Beirut:
History
Beirut was built on the largest rocky promontory of the coast the near center of the country. Later it would become capital of the modern nation, but in ancient times its deep harbor and central location were not so apparent and the city was overshadowed by more powerful neighbors. Its earliest name was "Birot," a Semitic word meaning "well" or "source" . When the city states of Sidon and Tyre began to decline in the first millennium B.C., Berytus, as it was then called, acquired more influence, but it was not until Roman times that it became an important port and cultural center with its famed Roman Law School. After Roman power waned, Greek influence dominated in the Byzantine period beginning in the 4th century A.D. Later, the Crusaders held the city for some 200 years. It was only at the end of the 19th century, after 400 years of Ottoman rule, that Beirut began to develop and modernize.
Modern Beirut, which has well over a million inhabitants, remains the cultural and commercial center of the country. Although the city center was left in ruins by the war, business was taken to other parts of Beirut and commerce continued as usual. In the 1990's, however, plans were made to reconstruct and develop this war-ruined area. Over a period of 25 years the project will turn Beirut into a city that is modern yet retains its familiar eastern flavor. Such landmarks as Martyrs' Square, the Parliament Building, the Serail and the traditional souks are all part of the new design that covers 1.6 million square meters.
Extensive archaeological investigations into the city's past are also being carried out under the general redevelopment plan.
Museum of Antiquities
It was a miracle, but although the Syrians and the Israeli used th place as an army post, the collection has remained intact. After the war the museum has undergone a major renovation. It absloutely worth a visit.
Source: world66.com
Al Omari Mosque (Beirut)
Description: One of the first buildings to be restored following the war, the Al Omari Mosque dates from 1291. In this year the Mamluks rested control of Beirut from the Crusaders and converted the former 12th century Crusader church (Cathedral of St. John) into the great mosque. Note: According to Islamic tradition, non-Muslims are typically not allowed to enter mosques or sacred sites. However, non-Muslim visitors may be able to visit the courtyard gardens and may find someone they can ask for permission to enter. Visitors should be appropriately attired and remove their shoes before entering. Entry is not permitted during prayer hours and not permitted at any time during the month of Ramadan.
American University of Beirut (AUB) Museum
Website: http://ddc.aub.edu.lb/projects/museum/
Description: One of two archaeological museums in Beirut, the AUB Museum was founded in 1868 with a donation from General Cesnola, the American Counsel in Cyprus. It is the third oldest museum in the Near East and houses a collection of artifacts from the early Stone Age to the Islamic period. Some special collections include the museum s 10,000 coins from various time periods, Phoenician figurines and ancient engravings and clay tablet writings.
Ancient Tell of Beirut
Description: Recent archaeological excavation revealed evidence of the existence of Beirut as a city during Phoenician times. Ramparts and other settlements remains were discovered.
Beirut Central District - Solidere
Website: http://solidere-online.com/thecity/enjoyover.html
Description: The trendy Solidere area of downtown Beirut has been beautifully restored and is a center for family outings, cafes, shopping, and leisurely walks. The government has paid special attention to rebuilding this area since the war, and today the buildings are magnificant architectural gems, with yellow stonework, arabesque archways, and wrought-iron scrollwork. The cobblestone pedestrian streets are lined with shops selling unique traditional crafts, trendy designer fashions, jewelry, and many other things. There are over 70 restaurants and sidewalk cafes, which are popular places to spend a warm evening. At the center of Solidere is the Place dEtoile and Clock Tower, a popular area for children to ride bikes and play while their parents relax at a nearby cafe. Solidere is also home to several Roman ruins sites that have been uncovered and preserved, several notable mosques and churches, and the National Parliament Building.
Beirut Roman Baths
Description: The ruins of this extensive Roman Bath complex are located just west of the Solidere (Beirut Central District) region, below the Grand Serail. Discovered in the 1960s and restored in the late-1990s, the site contains the remnants of the brick vaults and columns that supported the floors, allowing hot air to circulate. The ruins are surrounded by landscaped terraces and Mediterranean-style gardens. Open air concerts and events are frequently held here.
National Museum of Beirut
Website: http://www.beirutnationalmuseum.com/
Description: Built in 1937, the National Museum of Beirut houses antiquities and treasures from all over Lebanon, dating from prehistoric times through the Ottoman period. Located on the Green Line during the war, the museum building and some of its artifacts were severely damaged or destroyed. Following the end of the war (1991), funds were raised and restoration work took place between 1995-2000. The museum was reopened in 1999. With a rich collection covering an expansive time period, the museum is a “must-see.”
Source: destinationlebanon.com |
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