Apr 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!

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Roman Cardo Maximus

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

Fools Bar

Sunset spot in Hamra

On the rooftop of the Three O'Nine hotel you'll find the charming Fool's Bar with a small pool and comfortable seating with high tables and chairs around.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Tala

Ladki

Jun 17, 2025

Marché Urbain

Hello My Loaf, Artisan Sourdough

Artisan. Sourdough. Bread. Delivered to Beirut. I was sold! So my first order was 1 sourdough loaves mix (to taste the different flavors) and 1 focaccia...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Marie-Chantale

Sundberg

Jun 16, 2025

Ezzo for Antiques

For 30 years & counting

It's like walking inside a snuggled Aladdin cave full of gems, and you want to get your hands on all of them.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Samira

Ezzo

Jun 11, 2025

Beyt Sirena

Ras Beirut dining spot

"Beyt Sirena" is a coffeeshop in one of my favorite areas of the old Beirut. I love the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, and you should try their sahlab...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lidija

Liegis

Jun 11, 2025

Aura Gems

Quirky Hamra gem & crystal shop

"Aura Gems", a kooky shop in a Hamra backstreet in Beirut, sells hundreds of different gems and crystals in all colours of the rainbow...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Lidija

Liegis

Jun 9, 2025

Das Küche

Sausages and beer

"Das Küche" is a must-visit spot in Beirut if you like real German or Polish sausages (more than 15 types!) and beer. Remember to bring cash!

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

by

Viera

Obeid

Jun 9, 2025

Ghazar restaurant & bakery

An Armenian hidden gem

The texture of these stuffed flatbreads is slightly crisp and flaky, with a hint of sweetness that you will seriously regret not trying...

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

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jun 8, 2025

The MIM museum

A mesmerizing stare

Located under USJ's grounds on Damascus street, this Museum is a must-go especially if you're a huge fan of stones and geology like myself!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jun 8, 2025

Pool D'Etat

Summer Hangout Spot

Located on a rooftop in Hamra, Pool D'etat is an affordable pool by day and a very nice place to grab a drink or dinner by the pool at night...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tala

Ladki

Jun 6, 2025

Onomatopoeia Beirut

The music hub

"Onomatopoeia Beirut" is a calm and cozy café that feels like home to everyone that visits, the space exists for all musicians and creatives to hang out...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Najat

Kibbi

Jun 6, 2025

Flat White

Coffee place in Pharoun Street

"Flat White" in Beirut with their modbar is the first presented in any coffee shop here in Lebanon! Great if you're a coffee geek...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Samira

Ezzo

Jun 6, 2025

Neighbourhood

The one with Beirut's coordinates

"Neighbourhood" in Beirut is a cafe that puts you among up-cycled furniture and a paster-color ambience. Come for a cup of their home-blend latte!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Samira

Ezzo

Jun 6, 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

Heading to Beirut?

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