Al-Omari Mosque is one of Beirut’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 13th century. I like to escape here in the heat of the summer if I need a moment of solace away from the honking horns and rolling traffic. The building has gone through many different forms of existence: it was said to have been a Roman temple or Roman baths initially, and then it was a church built by the Crusaders, and later it was reconstructed as a mosque.
Like many other buildings in this city, it suffered heavily during the civil war, but it has been restored beautifully. It’s worth a visit for the light sandstone walls which are decorated with Ottoman inscriptions, for the delicate stained-glass panels, the golden steel cage, and the impressive vaulting. I think it perfectly showcases Lebanon’s multi-religious culture; it has a unique history and has stood the test of time in a city that is ever changing and often quick to discard its heritage, preferring the modern over the ancient.
Waygand
LBP
free
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
What you will be able to see is the bath's infrastructure, which includes fired clay or terracotta with some other mosaics that are still preserved.
by
For your afternoon coffee or late-night chit-chat, this dreamy place is a definite go-to as it overlooks the beauty of Gemmayze's historical buildings.
by
If you feel like playing some board games with friends, reading a book while sipping on your coffee, and delighting your palate with some food on the side, then Luna's kitchen is the right place for you.
by
Their specialty dessert, Persian love cake, is a concoction of cardamon, pistachio, and zest of lemon. It tasted as delicious as it looked.
by
I usually stop by Terghale for fresh juice and my friends mostly order shisha or coffee, and we can spend hours here sitting and reading in silence.
by
Make sure to try the beetroot carpaccio and the tomato bruschetta as snacks. Their signature cocktails are delicious and I also fancy their minted lemonade.
by
My favorite treat at Emotions is the "chausson au citron" - lemon turnover, which tastes simply yummylicious: not too lemony or sour, not too sweet, not too small.
by
With their creative combinations and delectable thin dough, their menu is surely going to offer you an interesting array of choices. From classic options to the sweet and sour assortment.
by
Make sure to try their Bitchin Friez, they are crunchy and cheesy. And the cheezy bites are scrumptious, just the way I love them. You got it, I am a cheese fan!
by
I finally ordered the carrot lentil ginger soup, the wild mushrooms toast, and a small-sized Asian crunch salad. Everything smelled delicious and tasted very good.
by
Karim's Training Facility is located underground and the hanging mirrors make the space look larger than it is. The premises are regularly sanitized, and this is essential for someone like me.
by
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips