Magnificent Historic sites in the South of Lebanon
Lebanon is well known to be one of the most historical and culturally rich areas in the region. The cities of South Lebanon have a history dating back to 1500 B.C. most notably the phonecian era and many empires that came across the regi8on after that. The south is well known for its many castles, mosques, khans, caves, temples, souqs and pleasant beaches, making a trip to the south well warranted if one is in Lebanon. With Traveln, you can find local guides who can help make this experience a much more rich and memorable experience!
These archaeological and architectural monuments are the highlights of South Lebanon!
Sea Castle – Sidon
Located about 45 kilometers south of Beirut and Lebanon’s southern commercial and governmental center, Saida is a pleasant and laid-back port city.
Saida (Sidon) includes many archaeological sites and picturesque natural areas that annually attract millions of tourists from different parts of the world to enjoy its breathtaking charm and ancient civilization.
It is a small castle located on the main road to Sidon and dates back to its first construction of the Crusades in the region during the 13th century before it was destroyed and rebuilt for the second time during the 15th century. It is distinguished by an ancient and impressive stone architectural style, but its location on the Mediterranean coast is what made it the most important among the landmarks Sidon and put it on the list of tourist places in southern Lebanon, the first to visit, thanks to the charming panoramic view it creates for the city from above.
Khan el-Franj
A highlight of Saida’s souq area is the Khan el-Franj (Inn of the Foreigners), the most beautiful and best preserved of all the limestone khans built by Fakhreddine (Fakhr Ad Din Al Maan II) in the 17th century.
A short walk south from the Sea Castle, the Khan el-Franj was built to stimulate trade with France and offer merchants a one-stop place for selling and buying cotton and silk. The ground floor was a marketplace, while on the upper floor the merchants could spend their time resting.
It consists of vaulted arcades surrounding a large rectangular courtyard with a central fountain, and now houses Saida’s tourist office and the ateliers of some craftspeople.
Echmoun Temple
Situated about 1.5 kilometers north of Saida and along the banks of the al-Awali River, are the remains of the Phoenician temple complex of Echmoun. Given its natural environment, the area is locally known as the `Bustan al-Sheikh`, the Gardens of the Sheikh.
Today the Eshmun sanctuary can be visited all year round and free of charge, it is accessible from an exit ramp off the main Southern Lebanon highway near Sidon’s northern entrance. The site holds a particular archaeological importance since it is the best preserved Phoenician site in Lebanon
There are many structures in this small area. Make sure you take a guide with you who can bring it to life, a feature coming soon with Traveln! Climb atop the temple for an overview of the ruins. The perspective makes the site clearer.
Tyre Roman Archaeological Sites
The two UNESCO sites of Tyre, al-Mina and al-Bass, are home to Roman and Byzantine remains of the city’s flourishing period.
Al-Mina Site
The entrance of the al-Mina site can be reached by walking down the Corniche, starting behind the Al-Fanar hotel. From there, the second street on the left (before the cemetery) curves its way to the al-Mina site where the entrance is at the end on the right. On your way – on the left – you will pass the unattended remains of a 12th-century Crusader cathedral, which was the setting of the coronation of the King of Jerusalem. From the souqs, the site can be reached via the main street southeast of the souqs. From there, as soon as you hit the fence of the site, turn left where the entrance is further down on the right.
Al-Bass Site
The Al-bass site is home to a Byzantine road, a second-century triumphal arch, a Roman road with an aqueduct and the remains of a second-century enormous (480 meters) Roman hippodrome, once seating 20,000 spectators watching the spectacular chariot races.
To reach the al-Bass site, take the main road running south from the al-Bass roundabout, from where the entrance appears after a 10 to 15 minute’ walk on the right.
The two Roman and Byzantine archaeological sites, the colorful coastal areas, the pleasant fishing harbor and the laid-back green Corniche area are good reasons for visiting the city at least for a day. For beach lovers, the public beach in the Tyre Coastal Nature Reserve should definitely be included.
Beaufort Castle (Qalaa al-Shaqif)
Beaufort or Belfort Castle is a Crusader fortress in Nabatieh Governate , about 1 kilometre to the south-south-east of the village of Arnoun. There was a fortification on the site before it was captured by Fulk, King of Jerusalem, in 1139 and construction of the Crusader castle probably began soon after. Saladin captured Beaufort in 1190, but 60 years later Crusaders re-took it.
The castle was named bel fort or beau fort by the Crusaders, and its Arabic name Qala’at al-Shaqif means “Castle of the High Rock”
It is amazing to witness an old castle built on the top of a high mountain 800 years ago. You can hear the Litani river crossing the green valley right below. On top of castle, you are surrounded by beautiful landscape which will keep you busy with your camera.
Shehabi Citadel of Hasbayya
Hasbaya, the capital of the Wadi Taym, is an attractive town full of history. A good deal of this history transpired at the huge citadel that is today Hasbaya’s chief claim to fame. Owned by the Chehab emirs, the citadel forms the major part of a Chehabi compound – a group of buildings surrounding an unpaved central square 150 meters long and 100 meters wide. Several medieval houses and a mosque make up the rest of the compound, which covers a total of 20,000 square meters. The citadel is situated on a hill overlooking a river which encircles it from the north.
A site steeped in mystery, the citadel is so old its origins are uncertain and so big that even today no one is sure how many rooms it contains. The known history of the structure begins with the Crusaders, but it may go back even earlier to an Arab fortification or a Roman building. Won by the Chehabs from the Crusaders in 1170, the fortress was rebuilt by its new owners.
The building is highly decorated – with lions symbolizing the family – and includes courtyards, balconies, staircases and beautiful black and white stonework. The three subterranean floors contain dungeons and tunnels and the top of the Crusader tower – accessible by a very narrow staircase – offers good views of the rest of the complex.
Amazingly, for almost all of the eight centuries since it fell to the Chehabs, the citadel has been occupied by members of this same family. Today actual ownership is shared by some fifty branches of the family, some of whom live there permanently.