History & Heritage
25.08.2020
48 hours in Byblos
A coastal town 40 km north of Beirut, Byblos tells more than 2000 years of history, as evidenced by its ramparts. It is a land of coexistence, where mosques embrace churches and old souks embrace trendy bars. Beirutans and Lebanese alike come here in the middle of summer in search of a bit of freshness. Discover in 48 hours all the treasures of this picturesque port.
Like the French Riviera, Byblos has seen many celebrities in the 60s and 70s, including Brigitte Bardot and Marlon Brando. The charm of this thousand-year-old city leaves no one indifferent! Imbued with Phoenician, Egyptian, Roman and Persian influences, Byblos bathes in a special atmosphere, between the mystery of the ruins and the chill side of the waterside bars. For yes, Byblos is also one of the most lively places in Lebanon! So how to organize the visit of these places in two days? Here are our tracks..
A multicultural city
Nestled on a sandstone cliff, the town of Byblos is famous for its ancient site overlooking the sea. It has a rich archaeological heritage with Roman columns, a Greek amphitheatre and even a medieval castle built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Start by visiting the latter, then let yourself be guided by the obelisks of the temple. This is where the sarcophagi of the deceased kings of Byblos are located. It is also on the Ahiram temple that Phoenician writings were discovered, the origin of our contemporary alphabet! In the surroundings, admire the Mosque with the blue dome, implanted in the middle of Maronite and Orthodox churches. Founded around 5000 BC and considered one of the oldest cities in the world, Byblos was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Do you do you Saint-Tropez ?
After this culture bath, it is time to live to the rhythm of the “Lebanese Saint-Trop'”. Fancy a lunch in front of the sea? It is bound to be Chez Pépé, the institution of the port, founded by Pépé Abed. Adventurer, explorer and entrepreneur, he represented the golden age of Lebanon and welcomed in his establishment many celebrities such as Dalida, Jacques Chirac, Marlon Brando or Omar Sharif. Of course, it is impossible to leave Byblos without having plunged into the Big Blue! Head for the stylish beach clubs in the area: the Sé By Ocean Blue, the June Beach House or the Jungle Beach. All good places to combine swimming, aperitifs and sunsets. A dream come true!
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