The mere mention of Byblos conjures up a rich tapestry of human history. Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean coast, Byblos (also known as Jbeil) is one of the world's oldest cities, credited with the birth of the alphabet, the art of sailing, and trade.
This is a place where ancient cultures and legends have flourished, leaving a lasting impact on the world.
Just imagine: 5000 years before our era, the first inhabitants of Byblos were fishing farmers. In the 4th millennium, the famous cedar wood of antiquity left the port on board Byblian ships in the direction of Pharaonic Egypt. Thanks to this trade, the city grew rich and welcomed temples and offerings.
Here, the spirit has been blowing incessantly for some 8,000 years. Archaeological strata accumulate. Excavated from 1920, they reveal to us all the civilizations and cultures that have marked the Levant.
From the small Roman theater to the Crusader citadel, from the temple to the obelisks to the royal necropolis, from the picturesque fishing port to the Ottoman souks, Byblos has many assets that we invite you to discover and explore.
The day begins with a stroll along the Roman road, which was once the main entrance to the city. We cross the old souk towards the archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO heritage site for the incredible historical treasure it represents.
We climb to the Crusader Castle, which offers a splendid view of the remains of one of the oldest cities in the world.
We discover the archaeological remains:
At the exit of the archaeological site, we continue our walk in the old town rich in historical monuments: the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Porte, the Emir Youssef Chehab mosque, the Saint Jean-Marc des Croisés cathedral, the LAU-Louis foundation Cardahi which houses the archives of Byblos, the Church of Our Lady of Deliverance and the Pépé Abed Museum and restaurant, a local institution.
The small so-called 'Phoenician' port is the starting point for boat trips that go to the Fidar tower to the south of Byblos and the Amchit campsite to the north.
The old Ottoman-era souk is a little gem, home to the creations of local designers. Here, you can also find traditional soap, bags and abayas, tablecloths and herbs and spices with a thousand flavors. We bet you won't leave empty-handed.
