Historical Sites of Lebanon
Shabha Castle
Shabha Castle is situated in southern Lebanon, overlooking the village of Hasbaya. Historically, the Crusaders established it as a strategic base for their campaigns, and it is believed that they constructed robust fortifications during the 11th century. In the 1170s, the Shihabis reclaimed the castle from the Crusaders, embarking on significant restorations to transform it into a military and residential stronghold. Over a span of eight and a half centuries, Shabha Castle has undergone continuous expansion and renovation, showcasing a variety of architectural designs and elements from the Mamluk and Ottoman eras.
Sidon Sea Castle
Constructed in the 13th century, specifically in 1228, Sidon Sea Castle was built by the Crusaders atop the remains of a Phoenician temple. This small island, which hosts the castle, was originally home to a temple dedicated to the god Melqart, revered by the Phoenicians much like Hercules. The Mamluks took control of the castle during the Crusader rule, leading to its partial destruction; however, they later reconstructed it and built a bridge connecting the island to the mainland. In the 17th century, Emir Fakhr al-Din II regained possession of the fortress, which remains one of Lebanon’s most iconic archaeological sites despite the conflicts it has endured over centuries.
Mseilha Castle
Mseilha Castle was built by the Druze Emir Fakhr al-Din II in the 17th century to safeguard the trade route between Tripoli and Beirut. This fortress has historically served as a defensive point and, even today, stands proudly atop a steep cliff overlooking the main highway.
Tinnal Mosque
Located on the left bank of the Abu Ali River near the Bab al-Raml cemetery, Tinnal Mosque has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, during the reign of Emir Sif al-Din Tinnal, the governor of Tripoli. Notably visited by the renowned traveler Ibn Battuta, the mosque features distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other historical sites in Lebanon. Among its remarkable features are the unique architectural designs, including a large inclined arch that frames a rectangular door surrounded by black and white stone, reflecting the known Islamic architectural style referred to as “Ablaq Stone.”
Beiteddine Palace
Perched dramatically on a steep slope, Beiteddine Palace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Construction began in 1788 and continued for three decades. Emir Bashir, the appointed Ottoman governor, oversaw the creation of this monumental structure symbolizing the power and grandeur of his rule. The palace is considered one of the finest examples of 19th-century Lebanese architecture, featuring numerous significant elements such as three main courtyards, large stables, small museums, fountains, and marble gates.
Baalbek Temples
Baalbek is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Bekaa Governorate. This Phoenician city gained historical significance due to its location in the fertile Bekaa Valley, which supplied the Roman Empire with grains. Baalbek is famous for its multiple temples, notably the Temple of Bacchus, known for its architectural grandeur with columns reaching heights of 20 meters.
The temple complex in Baalbek rests on the southwestern slope of the eastern Lebanese mountain range and spans the Bekaa plain at an elevation of 1,150 meters. It was historically referred to as Heliopolis, or the City of the Sun, during the Hellenistic period due to its triad of Roman deities, including Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. Baalbek retained its religious importance during Roman rule and experienced a peak of prosperity during this time.
The construction of these monumental structures took nearly two decades, establishing Baalbek as one of the most important religious sanctuaries and a prime example of Roman architectural flourishing, attracting thousands of pilgrims to honor the divine triad. Additionally, Baalbek is home to several other archaeological features, including:
- Massive columns.
- Meticulously designed stonework.
- Ancient religious sanctuaries.
Tyre
Located about 80.5 km south of Beirut, the city of Tyre was founded by the Phoenicians in the third millennium BCE. It has historically played a significant role as a trade center and major port, making it a target for various neighboring empires that sought to conquer it, including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman empires.
The Tyrian merchants established colonies throughout the Mediterranean, risking their lives to reach far-off regions such as Cádiz in Spain. Historically, Tyre consisted of two interconnected centers:
- The main settlement: Situated on a fortified island, it served as a maritime center rich in resources.
- The local community: Inhabitants who lived on the mainland, supplying the main colonies with water and timber.
Tyre experienced several colonial campaigns led by the Mamluks in the 13th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until World War I. Subsequently, it became part of modern Lebanon after the establishment of the Lebanese state. In 1979, Tyre was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as one of the most significant archaeological locations in the Eastern Mediterranean, showcasing the architectural and artistic achievements of various civilizations over the past 3,000 years. Today, Tyre stands as a testament to the integration of heritage with modern development, successfully preserving its ancient relics while embracing contemporary growth.
Anjar
Anjar serves as a testament to the prosperity of the Umayyad civilization, established by Caliph al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik between 705-715 CE during the Umayyad period. Rediscovered by archaeologists in the 1940s, this city functioned as an essential trade hub due to its strategic location at the intersection of two vital routes: the road from Beirut to Damascus and the route traversing the Bekaa Valley to Homs and Tiberias.
Excavations revealed a walled city surrounded by approximately 40 towers, occupying a rectangular area measuring 385 by 350 meters. Enclosed by gates, the city features corridors and passages that divide it into four equal sectors, elevated above a network of sewage systems. The urban plan includes both public and private buildings and is characterized as follows:
- The southeastern quarter: Home to the caliph’s grand palace and the mosque situated at the highest point of the area.
- The northeastern quarter: It houses smaller palaces for women and baths designed for efficient water waste management.
- The northwestern and southwestern quarters: Allocated for secondary services and residential areas.
The ancient ruins of Anjar include stunning remnants of the tetrapylon (the four-gated structure) along with the walls and columns of the remaining Umayyad palace, which still stand at varying heights. The site features decorative and architectural elements reflecting Roman influence, alongside modernized and flexible designs in the internal layouts of the buildings.
Byblos
Byblos is located approximately 40 km north of Beirut, perched on a rocky outcrop. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, around 8000 BCE, and is notable for featuring the earliest known alphabet through Phoenician inscriptions on the sarcophagus of Ahiram. The city was a crucial port for shipping papyrus from Egypt to Greece for writing purposes. The archaeological site of Byblos includes remnants of a Roman theater, a medieval city wall, and the Crusader fortress with its defensive towers, making it a prestigious resort today. The sight of yachts in the harbor provides a picturesque view.
Byblos has witnessed the emergence of Phoenician civilization, evident from the scattered Phoenician architectural remnants throughout the site, representing various historical periods. Construction and revitalization of the city have progressed uninterrupted since the establishment of the first settlement 8,000 years ago, showcasing an abundance of buildings and monuments from the Bronze Age, alongside Persian and Ottoman fortifications, Byzantine churches, Crusader castles, and medieval villages.