Photo essay: Lebanon’s ancient ruins, evoking memories from past lives

There are places that make you feel tiny and huge at the same time. Lebanon is one of those. Walking around, driving up and down the country, from Sur (Tyre) up to Baalbek, comfortably perched on a hill in the heart of the Bekaa Valley, tourists will never cease to be in awe gazing at the fabulous vestiges this tiny country boasts.

Many layers of majestic remains left by different civilizations shimmer seductively all around the country in its archaeological sites.

From the Phoenicians to the Greeks, to the Romans, Lebanon, a little like Sardinia, was invaded by everybody, and certainly, its ruins, embellished by my friends’ running commentary, played a great role in the memories I have from this trip.

With so many things to do and places to visit, you should plan at least a week in Lebanon. Check out these Lebanon itinerary suggestions to help you plan a perfect trip.

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Entering Lebanon’s ancient ruins of Roman era in Baalbek
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Temple of Venus in Baalbek ancient city
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Temple of Venus from inside
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Columns from the Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek
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Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, beautifully preserved
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Again the columns of the Temple of Jupiter from another perspective
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Façade of the Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek
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Ruins in Tyre, South Lebanon
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My friends Salam and Leila, deciding whether we were entering an ancient kitchen or a Roman wardrobe with shoe shelves included
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Tyre ruins park, Lebanese version of Rome’s Circo Massimo
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Arch and columns in the Roman way in Tyre
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Columns lined up along the Roman paved road in Tyre ancient city
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Inside the ancient Roman road
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Other Roman columns in Tyre, by the sea, make for a beautiful Mediterranean view
about me: Angela Corrias
About the author

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

26 thoughts on “Photo essay: Lebanon’s ancient ruins, evoking memories from past lives”

  1. Love these photos Angela, especially the one of the Temple of Venus from the inside. Think Lebanon ought to be on our travel list!
    Julia

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  2. Oh nice picture of me!! I just noticed it! :D I miss those fun days of exploring with such a passionate person. Many adventures to come, God willing! Great article and photos as usual, Angela! :D

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  3. These look incredible! What a fun and beautiful place to explore. You’ve definitely sold me on Lebanon!

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  4. Love these photos. I’ll be going to Lebanon next year, and exploring the country’s ancient ruins – especially in Baalbek – is high on the list of priorities for me. Thanks so much for sharing!

    p.s. I read the last sentence as “Lebanese men” and got excited. An idea for another photo series, perhaps? ;)

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    • eheh I didn’t really take many photos of Lebanese men, although some were definitely worth a shot. Maybe it’s an idea for you when you go? I’ll make sure to keep an eye on your posts from Lebanon :P

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  5. I lived in Lebanon from 1969 to 1970, in Broummana, up in the hills above Beirut, where nobody spoke any English or French and letters took at least 3 weeks to arrive. Learnt the language, made my own friends and saw all the sites and this just brought it all back to me. Thank you so much Angela. Am now living in Brazil where curiously many of my friends are of Lebanese origin. Strange that.

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  6. Wow fantastic photos! My cousins travelled in Lebanon last year and raved about it but this is the first time I’ve seem good photos of the ancient ruins – wonderful stuff!

    Reply

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