Piscine Aley: A Historic Swimming Spot

Piscine Aley is a public swimming pool in Aley, Lebanon, with a storied past. Designed by architect Toufic Dleikan in 1932, it was a summertime destination for the rich and famous, hosting concerts, conferences, swimming events, and even movies. Performers like Om Kalthoum, Farid el Atrache, Asmahan, and Sabah graced its stage, making it a hub of entertainment and culture.In its heyday, Piscine Aley, along with the Grand Sofar Hotel's Casino, was one of the few such establishments in Lebanon. However, tragedy struck in 1953 when a fire damaged much of the structure. It was rebuilt and continued to operate into the 1970s. In 1957, Casino du Liban was granted an exclusive gaming license, preventing Piscine Aley from offering gambling services.Today, Piscine Aley operates as a public swimming pool, retaining its original name and offering a place for families and individuals to cool off during the summer months. While it may not have recovered its former glory, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many Lebanese as a reminder of Aley's golden age. The pool is also near the artistic symposiums in the Ras el Jabal neighborhood, which contain artistic sculptures performed in the beginning of the century by a big number of Lebanese and international artists that added a cultural charm to the beauty of Aley.