Lebanon (Arabic: لبنان ), officially the Lebanese Republic (Arabic: الجمهورية اللبنانية ), is a small, largely mountainous country in the Middle East, located at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. A combination of beautiful climate, many historic landmarks and World Heritage Sites has continually attracted large numbers of tourists to Lebanon annually, in spite of its political instability. Its mountains and its scenic beauty were almost untouched. Lebanon was visited by nearly one million visitors during 2000, 1.4 million during 2002, and the number is expected to grow a lot within the next five years.Lebanon is home to five World Heritage Sites. The UNESCO World Heritage program recognizes, protects, and preserves cultural and natural heritage sites that are of outstanding value to humanity.
Some Major Tourist Attractions
Lebanon's second largest city & the "Capital of the North", Tripoli is a modern city that has well preserved its charming history. It's where the past and present merge in perfect harmony, reflecting on its people's unique livelihood and hospitality...A city of remarkable cultural riches, Tripoli has a unique polish of medieval oriental traditions that its inhabitants kept very much alive till this day. Underneath its captivating modern looks, Tripoli holds remarkable historical treasures dating back to around 1400 B.C.
The oldest mosque in the city is the Great Mosque which was built in the 12th century over the remains of the crusaders' Saint Mary's Cathedral. The mosque, its “Madrassa” (theological school), and the many inscriptions on its walls and foundations tell a lot about life during the Mamluke era.
Tripoli is a must-visit city for its people’s warm welcome, their hospitality, and of course the city’s unique, pleasant character. It’s a city which has meticulously preserved its glorious history for future generations to behold.
Beirut City Centre
Right at the hub of Beirut city there’s an area dating back to 3000 BC; very old and enriched with memories of ancient civilizations, BeirutCity Centre is turning the world’s head as it emerges quickly as the “FinestCity Centre in the Middle East”.
With its remarkable architecture, glorious landmarks, and numerous cafés and retail outlets, the city centre has definitely turned into a prime destination for tourists from all over the world. Beirut City Centre is home to the Parliament, the Government Palace, and the Municipality of Beirut; all traditional monuments restored into charming structures with an architectural mix of Ottoman, European, and Oriental design.
Baalbeck, Lebanon's greatest Roman treasure, can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world. The largest and most noble Roman temples ever built, they are also among the best preserved.
The Beiteddine palace complex, Lebanon's best example of early 19th century Lebanese architecture, was built over a thirty year period by Emir Bechir El Chehab II, who ruled Mount-Lebanon for more than half a century.
Jeita remained a popular attraction until the recent Lebanese conflict forced it to close in the mid 1970’s. Upon the initiative of Minister of Tourism Nicolas Fattouche, the Ministry charged the German company "Mapas" to renovate and re-equip its facilities by the most modern techniques and to operate the complex. On July 6, 1995, this natural wonder was again open to the public. |
