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Old Ottoman Water Fountain: A Testament to History in Baabda

Discover the Old Ottoman Water Fountain in Baabda, a historical landmark offering a serene glimpse into Lebanon's Ottoman past.

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The Old Ottoman Water Fountain in Baabda, Lebanon, stands as a beautiful reminder of the Ottoman Empire's influence in the region. Built in 1917, this historical landmark showcases intricate Ottoman architecture and provides a serene escape in the bustling city.

A brief summary to Old Ottoman Water Fountain

  • RGMV+PGJ, Baabda, LB

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Baabda to explore other historical sites and local culture.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the intricate stonework and design elements that reflect Ottoman craftsmanship.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Baabda Municipality building, walk east along the main road. The Old Ottoman Water Fountain is located a short distance away, on the right-hand side of the road. The walk is generally flat and takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Beirut, take a shared taxi ('service') to Baabda. Once in Baabda, ask the driver to drop you off near the Municipality building. From there, the fountain is a short walk as described above. A shared taxi from Beirut typically costs around 2,000-3,000 LBP. The local taxi ('service') within Baabda should be around 1,500-3,000 LBP.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Beirut to the Old Ottoman Water Fountain in Baabda will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 20,000-30,000 LBP. Ask the driver to take you to the Ottoman Fountain near the Baabda Municipality.

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Discover more about Old Ottoman Water Fountain

Located in Baabda, the Old Ottoman Water Fountain offers a glimpse into Lebanon's Ottoman past. Constructed in 1917 by Ismail Hakki Pasha, the Ottoman Governor of Mount Lebanon, it served as a public water fountain, or 'sebil,' providing free drinking water. These fountains were commonly built at crossroads throughout the Ottoman Empire as a public service. The fountain's design reflects Ottoman Neo-Baroque architecture. Originally, it featured four lion heads from which water flowed, but these were destroyed in 1920 after the Ottomans withdrew from Lebanon. The fountain was heavily damaged during the Lebanese Civil War but was renovated in the mid-1990s, with new lion heads reinstalled. Today, the fountain stands as a testament to Ottoman artistry and engineering, offering visitors a tranquil spot for reflection. While perhaps less crowded than other tourist attractions, the Old Ottoman Water Fountain's charm and beauty make it a worthwhile visit. It serves as a gathering place, embodying the cultural significance of a bygone era.

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