Samira from Beirut

About Me I am a reflective wanderer who turns her encounters into stories to be told during her walking guided tours in Beirut. I am passionate about discovering hidden gems, attending art exhibitions, having oral history conversations about the recent history of Beirut, and discovering specialty coffee shops. Why Beirut? Beirut is the city that all the Arab countries have...

Aug 30, 2025

Garden of Forgiveness Beirut

Cardo and Decumanus Maximus

"The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history."

The Cardo and Decumanus Maximus, the two main streets of Roman Berytus that date back to thousands of years ago, were acknowledged for their worth during the renovations of Downtown Beirut after the Lebanese Civil War.

This vast space that's surrounded by Mohamad Amin Mosque, Saint George Maronite Cathedral, and Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral is supposed to have been the Garden of Forgiveness.

Why have such a name for a garden? Well, because it's surrounded by a mosque and 2 churches, it made perfect sense to name it after "forgiveness" of all the bloodshed that happened during the Lebanese Civil War

Not to mention that the oldest Roman Law School was founded in this space. Also, as Solidere's website states, during the excavations, sacred platforms dating from Phoenico-Persian times were discovered and Mamluk-Ottoman layers within a network of narrow alleys, which changed to straight shopping streets replaced the alleys, while the sites of religious worships were enlarged and became prestigious monuments during the 19th century.

During the early and mid-20th century, the stairs next to the Roman columns in the picture had a souk that my grandparents recall as "Daraj Khan el Beid" where traders and shop owners sold poultry products like eggs and chicken.

During the 1990s, two olive trees were planted in the "Garden of Forgiveness" as a way to start this project with a special event, but the public never saw it come to life. However, you can still observe its beauty from the outside!

Art & culture

Relaxing

About this spot

Roman Cardo Maximus

LBP

no-price

find your way in Beirut.

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

Barzakh Bookshop

Reclaiming Hamra's Identity

"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

Samira

Ezzo

Aug 30, 2025

Beit Beirut

Beirut's museum of memory

"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Samira

Ezzo

Aug 30, 2025

L'Artisan du Liban

Souvenir shop made in Lebanon

"L'Artisan du Liban" is a social movement in Beirut that's keeping local art and artisans alive. I usually buy gifts for my locals friends here...

Art & culture

Shopping

Viera

Obeid

Aug 30, 2025

Hajj Nasr

Typical Lebanese sandwiches

"Hajj Nasr" is the most famous sandwich place in Beirut and the whole of Lebanon! The best seller is definitely the kafta one...

Snacks

Viera

Obeid

Aug 30, 2025

Douaihy

The Malt Gallery

Alcohol tasting lounge

"The Malt Gallery" is a must-visit if you're a fan of nice alcohol. It's a kind of drink library, proudly displaying bottles from all over the world...