 In a part of the world where past and present seem eternally bound
together, new discoveries of ancient treasures are forever reshaping
historical records. These findings, which are studied, recorded, then
displayed have shaped the cultural institutions and modern museums
that help fulfill our innate need to know and understand the events
that have created our present civilization.
Lebanon, long embroiled in civil war, has for nearly a decade now
enjoyed relative peace and stability. During that time, the country
has witnessed the birth of new museums and cultural attractions
and the rebirth of old ones. Filled with history, archeology, and
natural beauty, these institutions stand in proud testament to the
country's long and colorful history.
 National Museum
Beirut, Museum's Square, (01) 426703
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on Monday
The National Museum rich collection consists of a variety of items
(sarcophagi, mosaics, jewelry, coins, ceramics, woodwork, weapons...)
from various archeological excavation sites all over the country.
It covers the Prehistoric age, the Bronze age and the Iron age as
well as the Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Arab conquest and Mamluk
periods. The museum's three floor building offers to the public
an audiovisual room and a gift shop.
| |
This lovely mountain resort town is perched above the eastern end of
the beautiful Kadisha Gorge and at the foothills of the Cedars of Lebanon.
It is the brith place of Lebanon's most famous author
Khalil Gibran. It has a small museum which pays tribute to him.
Beiteddine palace was built over a period of thirty years by Emir Bechir Chehab II.
It's architecture reflects the typical oriental architecture of the 19th century Ottoman Era.
It is remarkable for its glamorous
arcades, multicolored mosaic floors, reception rooms, harems, hammams
and even by its guest house "Diyafa" where passing guests were lodged
(French poet Lamartine stayed once there).
Detail of the Sarcophagus of Ahiram, king of Byblos, seated
on a cherub throne, before an offering table, 13th century B.C (National Museum of Beirut).
Around 1200 B.C. the scribes of Byblos developed an alphabetic phonetic script, the precursor of our modern
alphabet. By 800 B.C., it had traveled to Greece, changing forever the way man communicated.
Located in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, Baalbek is an ancient city
that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally
Canaanite (3rd century BC), the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines,
and Arabs successively occupied Ba'albek and left their imprints on the
place, often modifying what existed previously.
www.kaftoun.com
