Excursions in Lebanon: Half day city tour of Beirut
Half day city tour of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
This sightseeing includes the National Museum and the Solidère Restoration Project. As you drive to the National Museum, you pass the Green Line, which was the scene of the heaviest fighting during the civil war. Looking on both sides of the road, it is possible to see the scars of the war, with many buildings still ruined and potted with bullet holes.
During the last years of the civil war, the museum was right in the middle of the furious battles. When peace was restored, the museum underwent substantial rebuilding and restoration work. The first part of your visit to the museum includes a video presentation on the careful reconstruction of the building, showcasing the ingenious ways in which the museum contents were protected (many were encased in concrete for the duration of the war). The museum comprises three floors and offers a panorama of Lebanese history, from the pre-historic period, through Greek and Roman times, to the Byzantine era. Many of the finds come from Byblos, Sidon, Tyre and Baalbek.
Following this, you continue to the newly restored city centre to see the results of the Solidère Project. This multi-million dollar scheme has completely restored the city centre and the result is astounding. There have also been significant archaeological finds in downtown Beirut, which were discovered when certain buildings that were beyond repair were pulled down to be rebuilt. The semi-pedestrianised area around Place de l'Etoile is a pleasant place to end your tour and find somewhere for lunch.
More about Beirut, Lebanon
Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLibyaMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia