Byblos, The Phoenician alphabet was developed here
Byblos, Jbail in Arabic, has immense importance in History. But between here and Beirut, you can also see a giant statue of Maria, and if you leave the coastline, drive into one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions, the Jeita Grotto. If you have a car, you might manage all these sights in one day; I split it up and spent two days seeing them.
Byblos
With continuous habitation for more than 7000 years since the Neolithic period, Byblos has this historical importance that UNESCO recognized in 1984. This city gave birth to the alphabet upon which our modern version is based and was suitably named by the ancient Greeks as Byblos, after their name for papyrus.
For me, Byblos was the most beautiful city I visited along the Lebanese coast. Several seafood restaurants and cafes—a tastefully restored souk with a good selection of nice art effects souvenirs. Byblos has been voted the Arab world’s best tourist city. To get to the archaeological site, buy tickets and enter via the Crusader castle. The whole area is quite large. Beirut National Museum has taken over many of the excellent art effects from the excavations.
Getting to Byblos
Byblos can easily be reached, situated between Beirut and Tripoli. I took the Tripoli bus; you must ensure the driver remembers to stop. With quite a small city center, it is straightforward to walk around town. Even though you feel this little town has a big tourist attraction, you can find it as a quiet and peaceful town.
Jeita Grotto
To reach Jeita Grotto, you must go a little inland into a green and lush valley. Unfortunately, no public transport goes in there. So, Bolt became my savior; it was cheap and very convenient. When you arrive at the ticket office, a miniature train takes tourists up and down to the caves, so you can ride that if you do not want to walk the short distance.
In the lower cave, a small boat takes you on the little lake for about 10 minutes; an impressive sight with fantastic fairytale lighting makes it a treat. In the upper cave, on the other hand, you can walk to the end. This must be the most extensive cave I’ve ever seen; here, you must also climb quite a few stairs. Unfortunately, they took our phones away, so I could not take pictures there. Never before have I ever seen anything like this.
Our Lady of Lebanon
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon draws millions of faithful Christians and Muslims worldwide. Since I was in the neighborhood, I couldn’t do any less, so I did make her a visit. The 15-ton bronze statue stretches her hands toward Beirut. Enthroned above the coastal city of Harrisa, she can be seen from afar. You could take the gondola if you do not want to hike up. The town of Harrisa can easily be missed. Not much to see there.
