Beirut is full of interesting places for art and culture lovers! A few weeks ago, Beirut was ranked once again among the top 15 cities in the world by Travel and Leisure!
National Museum of Beirut
The National Museum of Beirut is the principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon. It exhibits 1300 artefacts, ranging in date from prehistoric times to the Mamluk period.
Raouche
These two huge rock formations are iconic!
Martyrs’ Square
The martyrs’ monument commemorates the martyrs who spoke against the Ottoman rule in 1916. They were executed at the orders of the ruler Jamal Pasha. The statue was inaugurated in 1960 by the late President Fouad Chehab.
Corniche
Take a walk along the corniche!
The Memory Tree
The Memory Tree is the national monument for the Great Famine of Mount Lebanon that happened between 1915 and 1918. It resulted in the migration and death of more than half of the Lebanese population.
The leaves of “The Memory Tree” are made of the writings of many authors that lived during that time such as Gibran Khalil Gibran, Tawfik Yousef Awwad, Anbara Salam Al-Khalidi and many others.
Launched this year, “The Memory Tree” is officially the first national monument that commemorates the victims of the Great Famine of Mount Lebanon.
Sursock Museum
The Sursock Museum is one of the most renowned museums in Lebanon. It is the home of a large contemporary art collection which opened in 1961. The 8,500-square-meter museum was originally a private villa which was built by Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock. Its architectural style merges Lebanese and Ottoman designs making it a piece of art.
Nejmeh Square
The 1930s clock tower was a gift from Lebanese-Brazilian émigré Michel Abed to the Lebanese Government. It’s now the jewel of the city! Souk El Akel is regularly organized there. Last year, the Municipality of Beirut organized a massive New Year’s Eve party at the square!
Roman baths
Downtown Beirut is home to the remains of Roman baths that are surrounded by modern buildings. Beirut is, indeed, a city full of contrasts!
Beit Beirut
Beit Beirut, also known as The Yellow House or Barakat Building, is an authentic Lebanese apartment building that was affected by the civil war. Located on the former Green Line, Beit Beirut is now a museum that commemorates the Lebanese Civil War.
Villa Audi Mosaic Museum
This beautiful museum houses a breathtaking collection of mosaics from around the world!
The Grudge
The thinnest building in Lebanon and probably one of the narrowest buildings in the world is located in Manara, Beirut. The story behind it is hilarious! Read it here.