Beirut - Touristic Sites - LebGuide.com (Lebanon Guide)

Beirut, with its million-plus inhabitants, conveys a sense of life and energy that is immediately apparent. Beirut has long been considered es the natural crossroads between Eastand West. Thanks to its strategic position and its glamorous flourishing way of life, it has affected for centuries the envy of outsiders.

With a venerable past the city stands on the site of a very ancient settlement going back at least 5,000 years. Its name appeared in cuneiform inscription as early as the 14th century BC. In the first century, Berytus, as it was then called, became a Roman Colony and under Roman rule was the seat of a famous Law School which continued into the Byzantine era.

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Until recently most of the few archaeological discoveries in Beirut were accidental. The war's ending in 1991 provided opportunity for more comprehensive and scientific investigation. Beneath the ruined downtown area, which is under reconstruction, lie numerous remains of Ottoman, Mamluke, Crusader, Abbassid, Ommayad, Byzantine, Roman, Persian, Phoenician and Canaanite Beirut.

The city is thus dotted with numerous medieval structures, mosques and churches. Many beautiful public buildings were constructed particularly during Roman's Age: monumental archway, forum, temples, baths etc. The city has also been destroyed by several earthquakes. But despite Beirut's endurance throughout the years, its sense of commerce, trade and enterprise brought it to its feet again.

Today, extensive reconstructing has begun in Beirut's infrastructure and economy. This reconstruction includes the Martyr's Square, the Parliament Building, the Serail, and the traditional souks in such a manner as to combine the old soul with the new design of the city.

In addition, Beirut Central District is being rebuilt under the supervision of "Solidere" a high powered private real estate company. The planning includes: modern infrastructure, commercial and residential districts, two marinas, public gardens, old souks and an archaeological park. During the excavations of the city center, many monuments dating from Ages such as Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine were found. Furthermore, wide ranging programs have been taken to improve access roads and work out the traffic system. Today, foreign companies are aimed to set up and this time permanently which assures that Beirut will acquire its past role as economical and cultural leader of the Middle East.

Restaurants specialising in Lebanese food offer a chance to sample this well known cuisine at its most authentic. A large selection of foreign restaurants serve cooking from around the world in surroundings as elegant or as cozy as you desire. Night life in Beirut is non-stop. You can sample some of the trendiest places going or opt for super-sophisticated night-clubs. Name what you want and it is almost sure to be available in the shops and street markets of Beirut. Traditional crafts, high fashion, jewelry or everyday needs, are all easy to find.

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