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Saint George Cathedral Crypt Museum: Beirut's Subterranean History

Discover Beirut's hidden history at the Saint George Cathedral Crypt Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Hellenistic to Ottoman periods.

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Beneath the bustling streets of Beirut lies the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Crypt Museum, a hidden gem unveiled after a bomb damaged the cathedral in 1975. This small but atmospheric museum showcases archaeological finds from the Seleucid to medieval periods, including Byzantine mosaic floors and ancient tombs, offering a unique glimpse into the city's layered past.

A brief summary to Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Crypt Museum

  • VGW4+J3J, Beirut, LB

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
  • Take time to watch the informative seven-minute documentary on the cathedral's history to gain a deeper understanding of the site.
  • Engage with the information panels for deeper insights into each exhibit and the historical context.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Crypt Museum is located in Nejmeh Square, in downtown Beirut. From most points in the downtown area, the museum is easily accessible by foot. From the Beirut Souks, head east towards Nejmeh Square. The cathedral is a prominent landmark in the square. The entrance to the crypt museum is through a breach in the cathedral's foundation wall and a stairwell built in front of the church’s northern side. There are no costs associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation in Beirut is readily available. From various points in the city, you can take a bus or a shared taxi ('service') to downtown Beirut. Ask to be dropped off near Nejmeh Square. From there, the cathedral is a short walk away. Bus and minivan rides in the capital will now officially cost 75,000 LBP. A shared taxi ride within the same area will be LL150,000.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are a common mode of transport in Beirut. You can easily hail a taxi from anywhere in the city. Ask to be taken to Nejmeh Square in downtown Beirut. The Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a well-known landmark there. A taxi ride within Beirut will now cost LL600,000.

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Discover more about Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Crypt Museum

The Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Crypt Museum offers a captivating journey through Beirut's history, located beneath the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Beirut. The museum was discovered in 1994 during excavations before the cathedral's restoration, revealing artifacts spanning the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Medieval, and Ottoman eras. Inaugurated in 2011, the crypt presents a unique cross-section of the city's past, preserving archaeological remains in their original context. Visitors can explore the 250-square-meter museum via footbridges that overlook the remains of six historical periods. Informative panels and a documentary provide context for the exhibits, which include Mamluk tombs, Byzantine mosaics, and Ottoman canalization. The museum also displays a collection of artifacts, such as oil lamps, pottery, and Christian ornaments. The remains of five or six successive churches have been found during the excavation process, and are preserved in the crypt museum. The cathedral itself has a turbulent history, dating back to the 5th century when Beirut became a bishopric of the Church of Constantinople. The first church on the site, the Anastasis Cathedral, was destroyed by an earthquake in the 6th century. Rebuilt in the 12th century, it faced further destruction from earthquakes and was rebuilt several times. The current cathedral was constructed in 1772 and has undergone modifications since then. During the Lebanese Civil War, the cathedral was vandalized and looted but was restored in 2003.

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