This centrally located square in Downtown Beirut has been recently renovated. ‘Nejmeh’ means star, and it is so named because the six roads converging on the square resemble a star. The highlight is the famous clock tower dating from the French Mandate. It is one of the few historic structures that remain intact in Downtown. Other than that, the square is pretty mundane. You’ll naturally run across it while you’re downtown, no need to go out of your way to see it.
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City overview
This centrally located square in Downtown Beirut has been recently renovated. ‘Nejmeh’ means star, and it is so named because the six roads converging on the square resemble a star. The highlight is the famous clock tower dating from the French Mandate. It is one of the few historic structures that remain intact in Downtown. Other than that, the square is pretty mundane. You’ll naturally run across it while you’re downtown, no need to go out of your way to see it.
Located in Nejmeh Square (nejmeh means star, and is so named because the six roads converging on the square resemble a star) in Downtown Beirut, the Solidere Clock Tower is an iconic symbol of Beirut. It dates from the French Mandate and is one of the few historic structures that remain intact in Downtown. The tower managed to survive the civil war relatively unscathed.
The group of five columns located to the left of the St. George Maronite Cathedral, were once part of a grand colonnade of Roman Berytus. They were found in 1963.
The Roman city of Beirut met a traumatic end in the sixth century after a series of devastating earthquakes. As a result, there is little evidence of the city’s glorious Roman period. What little remains are concentrated Downtown.
The Roman city of Beirut met a traumatic end in the sixth century after a series of devastating earthquakes. As a result, there is little evidence of the city’s glorious Roman period. What little remains are concentrated Downtown.
These mosaics came from a Byzantine church of the 5th century AD. They were moved from Khalde, south of Beirut to a site neat the National Museum in the 1950’s.
This highly carved colonnade was discovered in the 1940’s between Nejmeh Square and the Great Mosque. They were once a part of the Roman Basilica. This group of five columns was moved and erected across from the National Museum in the 1950’s.
The Roman Baths were lost to the city for several years and were discovered in 1968-69. It wasn’t until the 1995-97 period of reconstruction that they were fully discovered. Situated behind Bank Street, the site is surrounded by a garden which attempts to recreate the atmosphere of ancient Roman gardens. In addition, there is a small amphitheater for open-air concerts. Rue Riad El Solh, Beirut Central District (Downtown)
The Ottoman Clock Tower was built on the grounds of the Grand Serail in 1897. It marked the 10th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s coronation. The need was felt for a public clock that would indicate the Muslim prayer timings. The clock that stands 25 meters tall was the tallest structure in Beirut at the time of its completion. The Clock Tower houses a huge bell weighing 300 kgs on its third floor. A set of 125 cast iron steps inside the tower’s shaft lead up to this bell. Four miniature neo-orientalist style balconies adorn this floor. Above these balconies are four large clock faces especially imported by the Ottoman embassy from France.
This military hospital right beside the Serail was built in 1865 by Sultan Abdul Aziz. From the period of the French mandate till the 1960’s it served as a courthouse. It was later converted into the of the Lebanese University but most parts of it were destroyed in the war. Completely renovated, it now houses the Council for Development and Reconstruction.
Serail Hill is Beirut’s main government center, overlooking the city center. There are three important monuments on the hill. The Grand Serail is the most impressive. It was originally a garrison for the Ottoman army. Construction began in 1853, shortly after the Ottoman’s regained control of the region from Egypt. It was soon repurposed into a headquarters for governors both Ottoman and later French of Beirut. Today it is a government palace and headquarters of the Prime Minister of Lebanon. The Grand Serail has been heavily reconstructed in recent years, but is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, with 40,000m² of floor space and a whopping 430 rooms.
St. George Cathedral serves Lebanon’s Maronite Christian community. The church dates back to 12th century crusaders, but the modern iteration was built between 1884 and 1894. The interior design is inspired by the basilica, a large open hall dating to Roman times, specifically the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The façade is neoclassical, designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Maggiore. The walls are made from stucco and marble. Some of the columns were recycled from Roman ruins elsewhere in Lebanon.
Located in the center of Beirut, Martyr’s Square (also known as Place de Canons and the Burj, so named for the Burj al Kachaf that occupied the square until 1874) is loaded with history. In 1908 it was called Liberty Union Square to commemorate the declaration of the Constitution. In 1916 it became Martyr’s Square in memory of Syrian-Lebanese nationalists who were executed by the Ottomans. A bullet-ridden statue symbolizes the destruction that occurred during the Lebanese civil war.
The first thing you’ll notice about this museum is the striking architecture – a blend of Venetian and Ottoman styles. It was built as a residence in 1920 by Nicholas Ibrahim Sursock, a member of the Lebanese aristocracy. After his death it was supposed to be converted into a museum per his request, but was instead used for fancy receptions. The museum was not established until the 1960s. The original interior décor and furnishings are still intact.
The Beirut National Museum can be traced back to Raymond Weill, a French officer stationed in Lebanon during World War II. During his time here, he began collecting ancient artifacts. In 1923, a committee was created to create a permanent museum to house these and other antiquities. Construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1937. By the time the civil war began, the museum had assembled an excellent collection of near Eastern artifacts. Unfortunately, the museum just happened to be located right on the Green Line that separated Beirut. Extraordinary measures were taken to protect the collection. Mosaics were buried in concrete. Most of the collection was relocated to the basement and walled off.
The Pigeon Rocks are huge natural formations off the coast of the Corniche andone of the symbols of Beirut. They stand out like sentinels in the sea. Walking and jogging on this seaside promenade are popular activities. There are a number of restaurants serving local and foreign cuisines and cafés offering a variety of snacks. The shores near Pigeon Rocks have yielded the oldest evidence we have of human existence in Beirut. Flints and basic tools found here are displayed in the AUB Archaeological Museum.
Assembly Hall was built in 1883 and has since changed names and functions. A chapel originally, it later became the venue for musical performances open to the public. Its fine acoustics and attractive building graced by traditional red tile roof, make it a popular place for visitors.
The Nami Jefet Memorial Library was built in 1951. Now fully updated and computerized it lists over 250,315 titles written in almost a dozen languages. The Archives Department, with material collected since the early days of the university, is a treasure house of information, chiefly about AUB and Lebanon.
The archaeological Museum, begun only two years after the university itself, has a collection of objects from the Middle East region ranging from the Stone Age to Islamic times. The cavernous interior of Post hall, which is decorated with towers and crenellations, makes a suitable home for the museum’s classic sculpture, Islamic pottery, Iron Age figurines and Stone Age tools.
The American University of Beirut (AUB) was founded in 1862 and opened in 1866 by American missionaries. It is one of the best universities in the Middle East. The beautiful campus is located along the north shore of Beirut’s peninsula. There are lots of trees and shrubs, and it has even been declared a bird sanctuary. A visitor’s center is located in the Main Gate House on Bliss Street. Here guests can learn about the university and join a guided walking tour of the campus.
The Souk Al Tayeb is Beirut’s first farmer’s market and is a great place to get a feel for the city. Every Saturday, residents and visitors converge at this open-air market. Organic fruits and vegetables, traditional dishes, flowers, and much more are available. This souk brings everyone together and serves as a meeting place for producers, bankers, farmers, and housewives. It’s a platform for direct contact between the producer and consumer. Lots of foodie events are also held here. There's plenty for kids to enjoy too.
Mount Lebanon is the name of the mountain range that bisects the country. They are one of its greatest gifts. In the summer they provide spectacular views, hiking, and a relaxing escape from Beirut. In the winter they provide the region’s best skiing. Throughout much of history, they protected the coastal cities from invaders, allowing trade to thrive. The highest peak is Qurnat Al Sadwa, which rises to 3,088m above sea level.
Baalbek is perhaps Lebanon’s greatest treasure. During Greek and Roman times it was known as Heliopolis, or City of the Sun, though the area had been settled for thousands of years prior. It was made part of the Roman Empire in 64BC as General Pompey conquered the region. Construction of the Temple of Jupiter began shortly thereafter, and the city began to grow because of its location on important trade routes. The temple would take more than a century to complete, and required more than 100,000 slaves. The entire complex was the largest religious building in the Roman Empire. It was intended to show their superiority and get the upper hand on the nascent Christian religion. The result was magnificent, though after Constantine converted to Christianity somewhat moot.
The Cedars are among the last survivors of the immense forest that once covered Mount Lebanon. Though modest in number (about 400), each cedar is a dignified survivor of ancient times when cedar wood played a major role in the earliest history of Byblos, Sidon and Tyre. It was used by Egyptians to build temples and ships and also in building the Phoenician fleet. Some of the trees are between 1200 and 2000 years old. The village of the cedars is a very picturesque ski resort with hotels, chalets and sky lifts. Today the majestic cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon and adorns its flag.