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Built in the 8th century by the Umayyad Caliph
Walid Ibn Abdel Malik, Anjar was located at a strategic junction of the
caravan rout between the coast and Damascus, and is a good illustration of
what an inland historical like back in those days.
The old city's Cardo Maximus, its columns, and its
arches make up a rich and interesting archeological collection. |
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How could you say charm, glamour, beauty, mystery
and fun, in one word? Beirut, this is how you can.
Many times destroyed and rebuilt, Beirut is a city
with many faces, all influence by a charming and unusual mix of east and
west, old and new.
Lying at the crossroads of three continents, this
metropolis, has since ancient history been a center for trade and culture.
The vibrant Beirut, promises its visitors a
different aspect around every corner.
Museums documenting Lebanon's great archeological
history, musical and artistic events taking place all year round, shops that
could compete with those of the world's fashion capitals, and restaurants
pleasing all tastes.
The stunning City Center, is the real proof that
Beirut, in fact, is not only "the City that would not die" as the Romans
used to call it, but also the city that would not sleep. |
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Byblos, is a must see for every visitor coming to
Lebanon. Hosting one of the world's richest archeological sites, Byblos
provides a unique opportunity to appreciate civilizations strolling side by
side. Facing the sea, the archeological site is dominated by a Crusader
castle built in the 13th. century, and includes several Canaanite and
Phoenician temples, the foundation of stone age houses, ancient city walls,
and several Roman remains.
At the foot of the Roman Colonnade near the
Castle, lies a collection of nine famous Phoenician Necropolis of the Byblos
King. Other important monuments include the Egyptian temples, dating back to
the 4th century BC and the 12th century Saint-John Mark church.
Byblos, which claim the title of the "oldest
continuously inhabited port city in the world," is also celebrated as the
birthplace of the alphabet, and it is from its shore that the letter was
carried to the world.
With its charming medieval port and old town,
Byblos is really breath taking. |
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Best known as the Cedars of the Lord-Arz al Rab-
the last remaining forest of Biblical cedars offer a unique opportunity to
see a dramatically beautiful landscape.
The now small forest, comprising about 400 trees,
some 1500 year old, is classified as a national monument, and retains a
special significance as the country's national emblem.
The Cedars region is also famous for its skiing
resort that attracts thousands of visitors from December through April. |
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When Fakhreddine came to power in 1590, he moved
the capital of his Emirate from Baaqline to Deir Al-Qamar, which was then
famous for its abundant sources of fresh water. Upon his return from his
self-exile in Tuscany, (1613-1618), Fakhreddine brought back with him,
Italian architects to build his palace in the Florentine style of the times
and to lay an infrastructure for the town.
Today, Deir Al-Qamar is one of the most
appreciated tourist destination in Lebanon. Since 1995, this particularly
well-preserved town has been placed on the Unesco's World Heritage list.
Attractions in Deir Al-Qamar, include the Midan,
or the town's central plaza, the Fakhreddine mosque built in 1493, the
Minchiel public garden built in 1874, the old silk khan and the palace of
Amir Yunis Ma'n dating from 1590. |
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According to the legend, Eshmoun was a young man
from Beirut who was passionate about hunting and who in order to avoid a
love relation with Astronoe, mutilated himself and died.
Brought back to life by the devoted goddess,
Eshmoun chose to live in solitude. First known as a God of healing, he was
also considered the God of fertility and vegetation, because of his death
and resurrection.
Located at less than an hour from Beirut, the
temple of Eshmoun, is a unique Phoenician site, that has been able to keep
more than just the stones.
Though its construction dates back to the seventh
century B.C. new structures have been added to it one century after the
other.
And today, next to the Phoenician elements, site
columns, mosaics and nymphs from the Roman times, and the foundation of a
church from the Byzantine age. |
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