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!
The Lebanese Army Martyrs Monument has been dedicated as a square to the martyrs who died for the Lebanese Independence from the French Mandate in 1943.
by
Singing Mama has a variety of food items and drinks and the interior is warm and lovely, with colorful furniture, flowery wallpapers, and a big oven.
by
I'm no art connoisseur, but walking into Art Scene in Gemmayze, I immediately spotted some pieces that I could have stared at for ages.
by
We tried the Chelo Kabab Waziri and Ghorme Sabzi, a traditional Persian stew made of a beans and herbs sauce, served with chicken and rice with saffron.
by
The Barn is an organic and healthy eatery that serves breakfast and brunch items, as well as hot dishes for lunch or dinner and a range of desserts.
by
This mural reflects how whenever we think of Ziad Al Rahbani, we think of how his plays and scripts still reflect our current situation in Lebanon...
by
"Second Base" is a thrift-concept store in Beirut invented by FabricAID. They sell vintage, hipster revealing, extroverted clothing items...
by
A healthy lifestyle requires freshly concocted dishes with seasonal vegetables and ingredients that are preferably sourced locally. This is what the concept of Salata is all about.
by
Falafel Joseph broadened his menu and opened a "restaurant" a couple of hundred meters away. The restaurant serves one of the tastiest chicken shawarma in town!
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