Berytus Cardo & Decumanus Maximus, Beirut Travel Guide

The Berytus Cardo & Decumanus Maximus are the remains of two main colonnaded streets of Roman Berytus, present-day Beirut. The Cardo Maximus, running north to south, connected the Roman Forum to a large complex. The Decumanus Maximus ran east to west. Today, five re-erected columns mark the crossing of these two streets, offering a glimpse into the city's Roman past.Excavations have revealed a 100-meter section of the Cardo Maximus, featuring limestone pedestals that once supported towering columns. These columns held roofed colonnades, providing shaded walkways. The site also includes a stairway that once led to a large building complex.Over the centuries, materials from these streets were repurposed, and modern developments have erased much of the historical landscape. However, the new entrance to the Garden of Forgiveness provides access to the original Roman street, preserving a piece of the city's past. The site is surrounded by cafes and shops, blending history with modern Beirut.