Temple of Echmoun

Saida


About 3km northeast of Saida, this is Lebanon’s only Phoenician site boasting more than mere foundations. Begun in the 7th century BC, the temple complex was devoted to Echmoun, god of the city of Saida; the highlight is undoubtedly the throne of Astarte, flanked by two winged sphinxes. Later constructions are visible around it, including a Roman-era villa (right at the end of the site) and Byzantine church, both with interesting mosaics in the process of restoration.

There are no signboards, so interpretation can be tricky; the temple is the large construction on your right just after the metal staircase; other elements are from later structures.

From central Saida, you can take a taxi (LL10,000) to the ruins. By minibus (LL1000), get off the highway just beyond Centrepoint shopping centre, parallel with the big stadium. You'll see a car on a pole; head down this road and the site is just over a kilometre along this orchard-lined road. Although admission is free, it is polite to tip the volunteer caretaker LL5000.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Saida attractions

1. Sea Castle

1.99 MILES

Erected in 1228 by the Crusaders, this picturesque castle sits on a small island that was formerly the site of a temple dedicated to Melkart, the…

2. Palace Debbané

2.1 MILES

Entered from the souq via a tall staircase marked with a sign, this former Ottoman aristocrat’s building built in 1721 has intricate Mamluk decoration,…

3. Khan Al Franj

2.18 MILES

A highlight of the souq area is the Khan Al Franj (Inn of the Foreigners), the most beautiful and best preserved of all the limestone khans built by…

4. Bab As Saray Mosque

2.2 MILES

Just behind the Khan Al Franj, on a picturesque square, the Bab As Saray Mosque is the oldest in Saida, dating from 1201, and is filled with beautiful…

5. Musée du Savon

2.2 MILES

Located in a beautifully restored stone-vaulted soap factory dating from the 17th century, this is a museum of what has traditionally been an important…

6. Saida Souq

2.21 MILES

Along with Tripoli's, Saida's old city is Lebanon's most characterful and authentic souq area. It's a delight to wander the narrow lanes, ducking into…

7. Great Omari Mosque

2.37 MILES

Facing the northern tip of the harbour, the Omari (Great) Mosque is said to be one of the finest examples of Islamic religious architecture of the 13th…

8. Mleeta Resistance Tourist Landmark

10.82 MILES

An intriguing mix of memorial, museum and theme park, this resistance monument at Mleeta, on Mt A'mel near Nabatieh, celebrates and commemorates Hezbollah…