South of Lebanon
 

The South Lebanon has over 6000 years of history. The two main Phoenician cities Sidon and Tyre are still in existence today with many monuments, castles and ruins standing as a reminder of their previous power and glory. The site of Jesus Christ first miracle of turning water into wine was one of the recent discoveries made in the south of Lebanon, with engravings of Christ and his disciples leading to a secluded cave where it is believed they came for peace and quiet.
Citrus fruits and banana are grown throughout the south which is known as Citrus Country’.

Sidon inhabited since 4000 BC and believed to be of Phoenician origin. Others believe it was founded by Canaan’s oldest son Sidon. It was destroyed twice by war between the 7th and 4th centuries BC and once by an earthquake in the 6th century AD. Sidon has many historic places among them Ashmoun Temple, the only Phoenician temple excavated, where some of the most beautiful carvings and sculptures were found.

Other interesting places include the 13th century crusaders’ sea castle, the Great Mosque formerly the fortress church of St. John, the castle of St. Louis and the historic Khan al Franj.

Tyre Founded around 3000 BC, was an important trading Phoenician island city, famous for surviving a 13 year siege by Nebuchadnezzar, and then fell to Alexander the Great who built a causeway connecting Tyre of the mainland. Tyre made its name by discovering and exporting red dye extracted from the murex sea mail which still survives at Tyre’s shores today. Places of interest include Hay el Ramel, Alexander’s causeway, the site of the ancient island city with mosaic streets, Roman baths and arena, the remains of a crusader church, a Roman-Byzantine necropolis and the largest Roman hippodrome ever found, built of stone instead of the usual bricks. Tomb of Hiram, King of Tyre, is only a few kilometers away and dates back to 936 BC.

Qana el Jaleel The site of Christ first miracle and Lebanon’s newest archaeological site. Rock carvings of Christ and his disciples have led to the sacred cave hideout where it is believed that Christ and his followers visited frequently. Near the sanctuary of Jaleel, a Canaanite prophet, six large stone basins were found. It is believed that these are the same basins Christ used to turn the water into wine.

Beaufort Castle The largest and most scenic crusade castle found in Lebanon.
Hasbaya A large citadel of similar architectural design to Beiteddine, with a ten sided tower and a large entrance gate decorated with a sculpture of a chained lion.

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