Ancient Phoenician port with 7,000 years of history. Stone churches, traditional souks, and Mediterranean seafront create a cultural center steeped in Middle Eastern traditions.
In Byblos, 30 kilometers north of Beirut, you can climb the stone steps of a 12th-century Crusader castle, watch fishermen unload their catch at the ancient harbor, and dine in restaurants built into medieval walls. As night falls in summer, musicians perform on an open-air stage next to Mediterranean waters that have lapped these shores for 7,000 years.
Getting to Byblos
From Beirut, take bus number 6 from Cola intersection directly to Byblos (45-minute journey). Buses run every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Another option is to catch a bus from Dora station. Many Lebanese refer to the city as Jbeil (its Arabic name), so remember both names when asking for directions.
Exploring the Archaeological Site
The Crusader Castle dominates the archaeological site from its highest point. Walk down through layers of civilization: a Roman theater from 218 AD, Phoenician temples, and city walls extending 270 meters. In the Temple of Obelisks (1600-1200 BC), you'll find bronze figurines covered in gold leaf and stone carvings depicting ancient religious ceremonies.
Walking Through the Medieval Quarter
Stone buildings line the narrow alleys of the medieval quarter. In the market area, craftspeople sell handwoven textiles and copper works. Stop at one of the corner cafes for Lebanese coffee and znoud el-sit (phyllo pastries filled with cream). St. John the Baptist Church, dating from 1115, retains its original Crusader-era stone arches despite damage from an 1170 earthquake.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Byblos Fossil Museum contains marine life fossils from the region, including fish, sharks, and eels that lived millions of years ago. The Wax Museum brings historical figures to life, from Phoenician traders to modern Lebanese leaders, with detailed costumes and settings recreating different time periods.
Beach and Harbor Area
North of the old harbor, you'll find sandy beaches with clear swimming spots. The port, which once welcomed celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando in the 1960s, now serves local fishermen and yacht owners. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh fish caught the same morning - try the grilled sea bass or local speciality samke harra (spicy fish).
Festivals and Events
The Byblos International Festival transforms the waterfront from late June through July. Musicians perform on a stage with the castle and Mediterranean as backdrop. During the March Flowers Festival, local growers fill the medieval streets with jasmine, orange blossoms, and native Lebanese wildflowers.
Historical Background
People first settled in Byblos around 8000 BCE during the Neolithic Period. By 4000 BCE, the city had become a major Mediterranean port, exporting cedar wood to Egypt. The Persians, Romans, and Byzantines each left their mark through temples, roads, and fortifications. The Crusaders added the castle in the 12th century, and the city remained an important trading center throughout the medieval period.
