Place to see: Historic Port, Quarter & Souks, Jbail, Lebanon

About this place:

The city we know as Byblos in the Western world is a Mediterranean city in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of present-day Lebanon, called Jbeil (جبيل Ǧubayl) in Arabic. It is believed to have been founded around 5000 BC, and according to fragments attributed to the semi-legendary pre-Trojan war Phoenician historian Sanchuniathon, it was the first city ever built, and even today is believed by many to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world.

It is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Kings 5:32, referring to the nationality of the builders of Solomon's Temple.

So, it's old. And historic. Old, Historic & Middle-Eastern = A Traveler's Dream.

There's a LOT to see & do in Byblos, so it may take a couple of days...luckily, Byblos is only 25 miles from Beirut...a quick drive along the Mediterranean coast!

Here's the highlights:

* Ancient Phoenician Temples

In the archaeological site of Byblos there are the remains of the Great Temple (also known as L-Shaped temple) built in 2700 BC, Temple of Baalat Gebal built in 2700 BC and Temple of the Obelisks built around 1600 BC.

* Byblos Castle

Main article: Byblos Castle

Byblos Castle was built by the crusaders in the 12th century. It is located in the archaeological site near the port.

* Medieval City Wall

The old medieval part of Byblos is surrounded by walls running about 270m from east to west and 200m from north to south

* Byblos Wax Museum

Main article: Byblos Wax Museum

This museum displays wax statues of characters from Phoenician times to current days

* St John the Baptist Church

Work on the church started during the crusades in 1150. It was damaged during an earthquake in the 12th century and also during several conflicts.

* Byblos Fossil Museum

Main article: Byblos Fossil Museum

Byblos Fossil Museum has a collection of fossilized fish, sharks, eel, flying fish, and other marine life, some millions of years old.

* Historic Quarter and Souks

In the southeast section of the historic city, near the entrance of the archaeological site, is an old market where tourists can shop for souvenirs and antiques, or simply stroll along the old cobblestone streets and enjoy the architecture.

* Byblos International Festival

Main article: Byblos International Festival

This summer music festival is an annual event that takes place in the historic quarter.