INTRODUCTION
The name of Byblos is known over the world as the ‘Oldest Continually Inhabited City’. Byblos is so old that it existed far beyond the great civilizations of the Middle East were even thought of.
Many archaeologists around the world believe that Byblos has been occupied for at least seven thousands years or properly more. None of the cities around the world, not even China, can boast of such an ancient lineage. The earliest occupation of Byblos by the Neolithic community started back as early as 5000 BC.
For 7000 years, it has not stay with one group. In fact, Byblos has change owners numerous times, before getting to what it is today.
This historic harbor and old town of Byblos is still unspoiled and very picturesque.
SPECIAL NOTES
I realized that while I was there, the name Byblos seems to be alien to the people there. The name Jbail, in Arabic, is more popularly accepted in Lebanon.
It was quite an interesting event when we were in Beirut, trying to find a Service Taxi to Byblos, without know the Arabic name of Jbail. We asked around, and most of them thought we are in the wrong country, some even suggest it might be in Israel. Only when I get a bit frustrated and decide to pinpoint Byblos on a ‘English’ map, then they finally realize where I am referring to. I was told politely that Byblos was not used in Lebanon at all, and they have not heard from such name at all.
TRANSPORTATION
From Beirut, you can either take a Bus or a Service Taxi to Byblos.
A bus ride will cost about LL500 and the Service Taxi will cost about LL4000. I would recommend the Service Taxi over the bus, as the Service Taxi is definitely more comfortable and faster.
I believe you can also try to hire a private taxi in Beirut, which will make a trip to Byblos for about $20. I was approached by one of the private taxi for such price, and I am not sure if it is reasonable. But comparing the price of the Service Taxi, it doesn’t seem to be a good bargain.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
Whatever type of budget you have with you on your trip to Byblos, there bound to have choices for everyone. You can easily get a quick bite for $2, or a better set meal for about $15 to a expensive choice of over $30 per head.
One very famous restaurant in Byblos is the famous Byblos Fishing Club. If you have some money to splash on this trip, spend the sunset period there. The service is top class, and the environment definitely makes your spending worthwhile.
I am not sure actually how many hotels are there in Byblos. But seems to be that there are only 2 available for selection when I was there. The price is considerably higher than other cities in Lebanon. The hotel where I spend the night, Hotel Ahiram, which is the cheapest, still cost me about $60 for a double. The other hotel cost over a hundred bucks for a double.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
The main highlight in Byblos in my opinion is no other than the large archaeological sites, which also includes the grand Crusader Castle. Majority of my time in Byblos was spent on this site.
The sites is open daily from 8am to sunset, entrance fee is LL6000. There are guides available, which is able to provide explanation in several languages. Their services is very expensive and price is not fixed I believe. We engage one English speaking guides for the two of us, and we were charged LL15,000. Our desire to know the site better makes us pay for his service. But frankly, I regret after it, I find his explanation and service rather disappointing. Try to avoid them when possible.
There are quite a number of monuments to see in the site, and I will give a summary of the main ones.
Crusader Castle - This is properly the most dominant monument at the archaeological site, and also in the whole of Byblos. The castle was built by the Franks in the 12th Century and constructed mainly from the monumental block around, and that explain the classical ruins around the castle. There is a deep moat around the castle, and that make it look beautiful. On top of the castle, you will be able to get a very nice view of the town and the see and harbor.
Ramparts - This defenses of Byblos have been maintained and added to since the foundation of the city. They dated back to as far back as the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC.
Temple of Resheph - This 3rd millennium temple was burned and rebuilt during the Amorite occupation. The later temple, which is not as the Obelisk Temple, was removed to a nearby site so that Dunand, an archaeological, could excavate the original structure. It consists of a scared enclosure. Sound interesting?
Temple of Baalat Gebal - This is most properly the oldest temple in Byblos, with part of the temple dating back to the 4th millennium BC.
Obelisk Temple - This temple was rebuilt after remove from the site of the Temple of Resheph. It is now in another location. It is a very interesting place to visit. It is very beautiful and worthy to have some time of yours.
Early Settlements - There are a number of early settlements in the site for exploration. Sites includes those of the Neolithic (5th Millennium BC) and Chalcolithic (4th Millennium BC).
Others - Other sites includes the King’s Well, Roman Theatre, Royal Necropolis, Persian Castle and a few others. There are a total of nearly 30 items in the site for exploration. And that explain why I spend nearly a day just in this location.
After the archaeological site exploration, we proceed on to the beautiful Medieval Town of Byblos.
The Church of St. John the Baptist in the city center is a Romanesque-style Church of St. John, which was built in the 1115 AD. This church is very beautiful, and you must not miss it. Some time must be spend there.
There is a Wax Museum in the city, which I did not visit, entrance fees is LL5000. It was already 5 plus when I reach there, so I guess I will not have time to see it, so we skipped it.
The Souk area (market) is very interesting. You should make a plan to visit it.
The last spot of my visit to Byblos if the beautiful harbor and its beaches. It is very beautiful, and a very nice spot to end a day with the setting sun.
SUMMARY
With its great archaeological sites, as well as its picturesque town, Byblos is a wonderful city to visit.
- Thank You! We appreciate your effort.