Lebanon is a country that has more than 5,000 years of history. Last year, National Geographic declared that it is one of the world’s oldest countries.
From ancient cedar forests to Roman hippodromes, Lebanon is full of interesting and mesmerizing sights and landmarks you must visit!
Abandoned railway
@gilbertderianeLebanon’s railway was 400 km long. It connected Beirut to Damascus and Haifa. Unfortunately, the train stations have been abandoned because of the Lebanese Civil War. This train is located in Tripoli.
Balou3 Bal3a
@wearelebanonThe Balaa gorge waterfall drops into the Baatara pothole which is located on the Lebanon Mountain Trail, more precisely in Tannourine. It’s breathtaking!
Temple of Bacchus
@ihab_a.samadThe Temple of Bacchus is one of the largest Roman temple ruins in the world. Also, it is so well preserved that carvings of lions and bulls are still visible. This temple is a model of Imperial Roman architecture. Baalbek is one of the most famous sanctuaries of the ancient world.
Beaufort Castle
@hassanbitarrThe Crusaders built this castle in the 12th century in Nabatiyeh. It offers a beautiful view of south Lebanon and Palestine.
Beit Beirut
@lopaulosBeit 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.
Bkassine Pine Forest
@trishaturThis forest is a famous destination for hikers and adventure lovers. It is the biggest pine forest in Lebanon. Bkassine is the home of old bridges, heritage houses, and natural wonders.
Cedars of God
@obkmarounThe Cedars of God is the most famous cedar patch and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles
@livelove_tripoliRaymond de Saint-Gilles, the Count of Toulouse and the commander of the Crusaders, built this castle in Tripoli in 1103 A.D.
Debbane Palace
@e_fortin_Located in Sidon, this palace was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the Ottoman Hammoud family of Moroccan origins. Youssef Debbané bought the palace in 1800.
Gibran Khalil Gribran Museum
@mycountrylebanonLocated in Bcharreh, the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum is home to the late author’s furniture, personal belongings, private library, manuscripts, and 440 original paintings.
Hippodrome
@mohdmmansourThis hippodrome in Tyre is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 2nd century CE. It is considered one of the largest and best preserved Roman hippodromes of its type.
Horsh Ehden
@pierre.boudibThe reserve in Ehden contains cedars and encloses 1,058 plant species which 40% of them are native plant species in Lebanon. This place is also rich with trees: 39 species of native trees have been identified.
Khan Al Franj
@libano_brasilEmir Fakhreddine built Khan El Franj in Sidon in the 17th century to accommodate French merchants and boost the trade with Europe. It’s a large courtyard with a fountain in the center.
Martyrs’ Square
@shant.ghazarianThe 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 in Downtown Beirut.
National Museum of Beirut
@aline_zanelattoThe 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.
Nejmeh Square
@milialorraineThe 1930s clock tower was a gift from Lebanese-Brazilian émigré Michel Abed to the Lebanese Government. It’s now the jewel of Beirut! Souk El Akel is regularly organized there. Last year, the Municipality of Beirut organized a massive New Year’s Eve party at the square!
Our Lady of Maghdouche
@yasmiin.sabbahLocated in Maghdouche, it is believed that the cave below the sculpture is where the Virgin Mary was waiting for Jesus when they were in Sidon.
Palm Islands Nature Reserve
@maher_iskandarPalm Islands are three islands that are located 5.5 kilometers to the northwest of El Mina, Tripoli. This reserve is the home of the endangered loggerhead turtle and 156 species of birds.
It is also rich in historical and archaeological sites such as the remains of a Crusader church, baths from the 13th century, and an old salt evaporation pond.
Phoenician Sea Wall
@whatsuplebanonThe Phoenicians built this wall in the sea in Batroun to protect themselves from tidal waves and enemies.
Qadisha Valley
@libanotourQadisha Valley is a gorge that lies within the Bcharre and Zgharta districts in Northern Lebanon. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley has housed Christian monastic communities for many centuries. It’s now a destination where people seek peace, and where pilgrims pray. If you’re an adventurer or a photographer, make sure to visit the valley; it’s exciting and breathtaking!
Raouche
@mumma_schulzThese two huge rock formations are iconic!
Roman Arch of Triumph
@m_kay6The Arc of Triumph in Tyre is one of the most fascinating archeological sites. It is standing tall and proud since the 2nd century BC.
Roman baths
@mia1692Downtown Beirut is home to the remains of Roman baths that are surrounded by modern buildings. Beirut is, indeed, a city full of contrasts!
Saint Louis Castle
@tudoaquiloThe castle in Sidon was built in 1254 by French crusaders. It was altered a number of times until the 17th century.
Sidon Sea Castle
@majd_amerSidon’s famous Sea Castle was built by the Crusaders in the thirteenth century. It is located on a small island connected to the mainland.
Sursock Museum
@rehabragaeeThe Sursock Museum is one of the most renowned museums in Beirut. 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.
Temple of Eshmun
@wissam.khalil_deluxeembedded via
The Temple of Eshmun is an ancient place of worship dedicated to Eshmun, the Phoenician god of healing. It was built in the 7th century B.C. in Sidon.
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.
The Memory Tree
@yazanhalwaniThe 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.
Unusual houses in Miziara
@anthonyo_lebanonMiziara, a beautiful town in Zgharta, is home to unusual houses such as an airplane, a pyramid, and a Greek temple!
Villa Audi Mosaic Museum
@zoeinthekitchenThis beautiful museum houses a breathtaking collection of mosaics from around the world!
