Historic City Byblos: 5 Sights to See in This UNESCO World Heritage Centre

The historic city of Byblos is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, cementing its image as a tourist destination.

Historic City Byblos in Lebanon: A UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Nestled on the serene Mediterranean shores, Byblos in Lebanon embodies time's passage. Over 7,000 years of history earn it the title of "one of the oldest cities." A fusion of ancient ruins and modern life, it captivates with tales of Alexander the Great, offering a timeless allure.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it's a tourist magnet celebrated for its preserved archaeological sites, quaint old town, and captivating coastal scenery. Functioning as UNESCO's hub for World Heritage affairs, it coordinates committee sessions, aids nations in site nominations, manages emergency actions, and fosters public awareness of heritage preservation.

Here are five favorite Byblos sights and destinations:

Old Souks

Byblos' Old Souks evoke a timeless ambiance, offering traditional Lebanese wares amidst vibrant restaurants and local shops. Situated in the ancient city of Byblos along the Mediterranean coastline, it's a central part of this historic town, approximately 42 kilometers north of Beirut.

In contrast, Beirut Souks Markets are in Beirut's heart, adjacent to the Beirut Central District, offering a distinct experience in Lebanon's capital, located along the Mediterranean coast in the western region. Both areas provide unique cultural and shopping encounters for visitors.

Roman Theater of Byblos

Situated between the Baalat-Gebal temple and the shore, the theatre's move facilitated ongoing excavations. Initially positioned northeast of the mound, it bordered the city gate and twin temples. Presently, only the first five tiers, the stage embellished with terrazzo columns, and the orchestra's soil, formerly adorned with a Bacchus mosaic, endure from this era.

A royal necropolis unearthed in 1922, due to a landslide, featured square wells leading to lateral burial chambers. Despite obstructions post-burial, looters tampered with ancient graves, unearthing valuable artifacts, including mirrors, faïence, and precious stone-adorned sarcophagi.

The most notable find, King Ahiram's sarcophagus, adorned with bas-reliefs reminiscent of Egyptian art and bearing the earliest Phoenician alphabet inscriptions, now graces Beirut's National Museum. Traversing ancient ramparts dated around 2800 B.C., two gates granted access to the city, leading down to the castle's site.

The Byblos Castle / Byblos Citadel

Constructed by the Crusaders in the 12th century, Byblos Castle, also known as The Castle of Gibelet, belonged to the Lords of Gibelet. Made of limestone, it sits adjacent to the Phoenician Royal Necropolis and the Roman amphitheater, featuring remnants of the Baalat Gebal temple.

Linked to the Genoese Embriaco family, this citadel offers a glimpse into the city's rich history spanning over 7,000 years, with attractions including old souks, a wax museum, a scenic port, and the Crusader-built Saint John-Marc Cathedral from 1115 AD.

Memory of Time Museum

The Byblos district's mountains in Lebanon are renowned for ancient fish fossils, linked to Noah's Flood by Eusèbe of Césarée in the 4th century AD. Over 1,200 species, including fish, sea urchins, and plants, date back 100 million years, located in Hgula, Haqil, Nammoura, and Sahel Alma.

"Memory of Time," initiated four generations ago by the Abi Saad family, studies and exhibits these fossils, providing a rich historical narrative at its museum while engaging in global collaborations and exhibitions to preserve and share this paleontological legacy.

Byblos Port

Byblos Port, Lebanon, is revered as one of the world's oldest ports, dating back over 5,000 years. It boasts charming alleys, houses, and restaurants, creating a picturesque scene filled with boats, ideal for capturing memorable photos. Once a vital timber shipping hub around 3000 BC, it facilitated trade in wine, Lebanese Cedars, and timber to Ancient Egypt, employed by Phoenicians for tomb construction and shipbuilding. Visitors can also enjoy boat trips from this ancient and historically significant port.