Jun 24, 2025

Al-Bustani School Beirut

Neglected first national school

"The school was a non-religious institution that opened its doors to any student regardless of religion, social status, or where they were from."

As you're walking in the heritage neighborhood of Zokak el Blatt in Beirut, barely 200 meters from Downtown Beirut, you'll stumble upon an 1800 building that looks neglected & squatted by families that once was the first national school in this region when it was full of missionary or religious schools.

Butrus al-Bustani, a Christian Maronite who turned Protestant in the 19th century being influenced by American Protestant missions, fled the civil war of Mount Lebanon between the Druze and Maronites, and decided to open a new national school in 1863 to foster citizenship regard­less of the sect for the people of Beirut, and neighboring areas.

A school that had students who later were themselves leading Beirut intellectuals, like Ibrähim Bey al -Aswad, Abdel Kader Dana, and Abd el -Kader Kabbani. The school was a non-religious institution that opened its doors to any student regardless of religion, social status, or where they were from. Its curriculum included a focus on languages such as Arabic, English, Greek, and French, literature in all languages, poetry, mathematics, translation, history, and geography. Imagine, in mid-1800's?! However, it closed down in 1871 due to competition with other local religious schools and foreign missionary schools.

Constructed of local sandstone, this school consists of 3 buildings taken over by once-squatters during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) and now paying rental for an unknown entity, with low hopes of funds for its restoration.

In fact, this neighborhood stands out as an academic heritage neighborhood extending from the old city of Downtown Beirut, but it's neglected.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

VGR2+W24

LBP

no-price

Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Beirut guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut

Falafel Tabbara

Older than Great Lebanon

This current shop in Ras Beirut, Snoubra has been there since 1979, when Abou Ziad, the current owner, decided to move from main street Hamra...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Samira

Ezzo

Jul 10, 2025

Wissam Sargi Salon

Beauty Lounge & Clinics

At Wissam Sargi, you can pamper yourself every single day of the week. They do hair fashion for men, women, and children as well as makeup and facial care.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Marie-Chantale

Sundberg

Jul 9, 2025

Skin Society

Beauty & Cosmetics

One of my favorite sections is the one with hand-made soaps. These soaps are simply heavenly: they smell great, last long, and look super cute!

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Marie-Chantale

Sundberg

Jul 9, 2025

Saj Al Balad

Fresh taste of Saj in Beirut

Whenever I crave some fresh breakfast outside, "Saj Al Balad" in Beirut comes to mind. The owner will make you feel most welcome whenever you visit!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Samira

Ezzo

Jul 9, 2025

West Beirut Calligraffiti

From chaos comes art

The "West Beirut Calligraffiti" is a work inspired by the famous movie. It's a reminder of the darkness of war and the kindness that can emerge...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Revolutionary Art Wall

Art of change

The "Revolutionary Art Wall" in Beirut was created in October 2019, during the revolution. Since then, the artists' message & creativity keep inspiring...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Tabbal Building

Traditional architecture

The "Tabbal Building" in Beirut is one of 800 heritage sites that were damaged in the 2020 blast. It's still an ideal location for art exhibitions...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Literature Wall of Fame

The giants of literature

The "Literature Wall of Fame" in Beirut was painted in 2020 during the quarantine & celebrates the giants of Arabic literature. This is my favorite quote.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Gouraud Street

Where the old meets the new

"Gouraud Street" adjacent to the St. Nicholas Stairs in Beirut is my safe place. I come here when I'm sad or happy, with friends, for coffee and a chat...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Bedo

Sujuk shawarma sandwiches

"Bedo" in Beirut makes the best sujuk and basterma sandwiches around. Honestly, the taste reminds me of good old childhood memories - and fun nights out!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

CreativeNess

Art therapy

"CreativeNess" is an art studio in Beirut where you take art classes! I went there to learn sculpting with my friend and this is just the beginning!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Union Marks

Mid-city getaway

"Union Marks" in Beirut is a hidden gem in an old factory. The drinks are amazing and the food delicious. Try their peanut-butter baked potatoes...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jul 9, 2025

Heading to Beirut?

179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

179 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Beirut

Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7316
Filters