Byblos (Jbail)

Introducing Byblos (Jbail)

With its picturesque ancient fishing harbour, Roman remains, Crusader castle and beautifully restored souq, many visitors fall in love at first sight with Byblos. In existence before the great civilisations of the Middle East were even thought of, Byblos – known as Gebal in the Bible and, less romantically, as Giblet by the Crusaders – lays claim to being one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited towns. It’s also known as the birthplace of the modern alphabet. Its ancient name is thought to derive from the Greek bublos, meaning papyrus, since the town was once a Phoenician stopping-off place for papyrus shipments en route to Egypt. Although only around 40km from Beirut, the harbour, ruins and old town feel a world away and it’s a must-see place on any visit to Lebanon, however long or short.

Back in the more glamorous days of the ’60s, Byblos was a favourite watering hole for the crews of visiting private yachts, international celebrities, and the Mediterranean jet set. These days, however, visitors are lower-key and come for a wander around the ruins, a seaside seafood feast, and a lazy afternoon admiring the shimmering harbour. Don’t miss, too, the amazing Mémoire du Temps fossil museum and shop in the heart of the old souqs.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009