BEIRUT HISTORICAL TOURFrom $63This tour is a half day visit to downtown Beirut to explore the constructions which were built during the French mandate and restored in 1993. It also includes a visit to the Roman Bath, the churches and mosques, and the national museum.
TIMINGFrom 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
INCLUDESTransportation & Guided Tour.
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BEIRUT
Beirut was built on a rocky promontory, a site also occupied by prehistoric man. In ancient times it was overshadowed by powerful neighbors, but when the city- states of Sidon began to decline in the first millennium B.C, Beirut acquired more influence. During Roman times, Beirut became a roman colony (15 B.C), and an important port and cultural centre. During the roman and Byzantine eras it was distinguished for its law school, whom professors helped draft the famous Justinian code. Beirut was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 551 A.D. A century later, it was conquered by the Muslim Arabs and in 1109 it fell to the crusaders. The city remained in crusader hands until 1291, when it was taken by the Mamluks.In 1516 the 400- year ottoman rule began. Later, in the 17th century, Beirut knew a period of great prosperity under the government of emir Fakhreddine II. Then with the break –up of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the World War I, the city became the capital of modern Lebanon. Beirut, with nearly a million inhabitants, remains the cultural and commercial centre of the country. Some of its main landmarks are: the martyrs’ statue, the Souks (markets) and the parliament building, which are part of the design covering 1.8 million square meters. In extensive archeological investigations, historical periods ranging from Canaanite (3,000- 1200 B.C) to ottoman (1516-1918 A.D), have been revealed. |
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- Rates include transportation in deluxe motor coaches or vans, services of professional guides, VAT and entrance fees.
- Children up to 4 years are free of charge but have no seat.
- All prices and programs are subject to change without prior notice.