Culture of Beirut. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Beirut is a true paradise for fans of exciting excursions and walks on picturesque locations. It has everything you need for interesting and diverse holiday - ancient monuments and museums, beautiful squares with historical attractions and amazing mosques, colorful markets and cozy parks. Square of martyrs and the memorial dedicated to the defenders of the city, which is located on this square, is one of the major excursion destinations. It was built in the 30s of the previous and reminds of the tragic events connected with the attacks of Turkish invaders. Star Square is an interesting place that is located in the heart of the historic district of Beirut. During the reign of the Roman Empire the square was the location of a great forum. Nowadays, Al Najma Square (the local name) is the beginning of the most beautiful streets of the city.

The largest part of the historic buildings located on the square were also severely damaged during the war. However, thanks to the efforts of the local architects the buildings were completely restored. The center of the square is the location of a beautiful tower with a clock. This is the favorite place of appointments among couples. Mosque of Omar is probably the most famous religious monument of Beirut. The mosque is also one of the oldest buildings of the city. Previously a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter was located on the site of the mosque. Later the Crusaders built a beautiful church on its place, and in the beginning of the 13th century the church was rebuilt into a mosque. There is a colorful market near the mosque, as well as several historic streets, a walk in which will also bring a lot of fun.

Sursock museum occupies the building of a beautiful old mansion. This is a private museum founded by a Libyan scientist Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock. The museum was opened in 1912, but it became available for free attendance only in 1961. The spacious rooms of the museum store approximately five thousand works of art. It should be noted that the design of the museum itself deserves highest praise. Each piece of furniture here is a true masterpiece. An excursion to the National Museum of Beirut will be no less interesting. Among the exhibits of the museum are many unique artifacts of the prehistoric times, collections of pottery, ancient jewelry and other precious collections. Even nowadays archaeologists keep working in the suburbs of Beirut, so the collection of the National Museum is constantly growing. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are quite a few interesting religious monuments in Beirut, be it mosques, Christian cathedrals or synagogues. Take for example, the Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque, an excellent example of architecture. It was built with the money of the parishioners, which they collected for 50 years. The mosque is famous for its unsurpassed interior decoration, so you should definitely appreciate it. Another stunning mosque is the Al-Omari Grand Mosque, the most ancient temple in Beirut. This shrine was built on the site of a Roman temple, and in 1291, the mosque acquired a modern look. There is the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the city. It is notable for its interior decoration, as well as the fact that you can find an interesting museum that introduces you to the history of the city, under the church.

The American University of Beirut is called a true “oasis in a desert” for the fact that an excellent garden is located on the building’s grounds. A certain peace reigns here. This is one of the places where you can relax away from the noisy city. Also situated here is the Archaeological Museum, which you can visit for free. Also in the city was left the ruins of the Roman baths. It is worth mentioning that they are well preserved. They were found in 1991, and before this time there was a highway here. You can visit them at absolutely no cost.

An excellent walk can be made along the Zaitunay Bay. Great view of the skyscrapers, arriving and departing yachts, water surface, many restaurants and cafes open up here. The embankment looks especially romantic is in the evening, when the city is beautifully illuminated. Interesting natural attractions are the rocks in Raouche – the real landmark of the city, along with the most famous native of the city – namely, Keanu Reeves. It is best to come here in the morning to catch the dawn. Another very pleasant amusement will be a horse ride along the coast.

Beirut is famous for the extraction of minerals, and therefore it is not surprising that the city has a museum dedicated specifically to this activity. Here you can see more than 1800 samples from around the world. A must-see is the Robert Mouawad Private Museum. The most important asset of the museum is the Excelsior gem (diamond weighing 69.68 carats). You can get acquainted with another traditional craft of the city by visiting the Silk Museum. Here you will learn about the Great Silk Road. The remarkable thing is that you can also sit here in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying the silence.