Back in April, I attended an exhibition by the name ”everyone’s the creator of one’s own faith” and that exhibition took place in the Tabbal building on Sursock’s main street.
When I went I was mesmerized, not only by the art of course, but the architecture of the building is astonishing. It was the first time I had heard of or been inside the building but apparently it has been there for more than 100 years: the owner bought it to build a home with his beloved wife in the 1890s. Each floor of the building has a central haul corresponding to a triple arch on its facade, as well as a gorgeous vaulted ceiling and geometric tiled floors. The whole layout of the rooms on each floor screams traditional Lebanese architecture.
When you enter the building, you can feel how each room holds a story. I even found some writings on one of the bedroom doors and a wall. All these left details made me feel closer to the history of the building.
The Tabbal building was made a heritage site by the general direction of antiquities back in 1999, but sadly it is one of the 800 protected buildings that sustained damage from the blast, as most of Beirut's Ottoman architecture lies close to the port.
If you pass by this building, you should check it out, or if you get the chance to go to an exhibition there, don’t hesitate - it will be worth your while.
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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
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
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
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