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Umayyad City Ruins: A Glimpse into Lebanon's Islamic Past

Explore the Umayyad City Ruins in Aanjar, Lebanon: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Islamic architecture and ancient history in the Beqaa Valley.

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The Umayyad City Ruins in Aanjar, Lebanon, are a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a unique look into the 8th-century Umayyad dynasty. The well-preserved ruins showcase a blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural styles, reflecting the city's historical significance as a commercial hub. Visitors can explore the remains of palaces, a mosque, bathhouses, and a sophisticated urban plan, all set against the backdrop of the Beqaa Valley.

A brief summary to Umayyad City Ruins

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain while exploring the ruins.
  • Visit during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Consider booking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Baalbek and Chateau Ksara to make the most of your trip.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Beirut, take the Beirut-Damascus Highway towards Zahlé. Follow the signs towards Anjar, which is approximately 58 km east of Beirut. Parking is available near the site. Car rental costs in Lebanon can vary, but expect to pay around $30-50 USD per day. There may be checkpoints along the way.

  • Public Transport

    Buses frequently depart from Beirut's Cola station to Anjar. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From the bus stop in Anjar, the ruins are a short taxi ride away, costing approximately 50,000-75,000 LBP. The bus fare from Beirut to Anjar is approximately 150,000-250,000 LBP.

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Discover more about Umayyad City Ruins

Nestled in the Beqaa Valley, approximately 58 kilometers east of Beirut, the Umayyad City Ruins of Anjar stand as a remarkable testament to early Islamic civilization. Founded in the 8th century during the Umayyad Caliphate, under Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abdel Malek, Anjar served as an inland commercial center at the crossroads of two important trade routes. The city's strategic location and well-planned layout reflect the ambition and sophistication of the Umayyad dynasty. The ruins, accidentally discovered in the 1940s, offer a unique glimpse into a relatively unknown period of Arab history. The city's design reveals a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural influences, showcasing a rectangular layout fortified by walls and towers. Key structures include the grand palace, mosque, bathhouses, and residential areas, all meticulously planned and reflecting the urban planning of the time. The site is divided into four quadrants by a north-south and east-west axis, mirroring Roman city planning. Visitors can wander through the ancient streets, explore the remains of the palace complex, and admire the intricate stonework and mosaics. The Great Mosque and the Church of Saint George stand as testaments to the city's diverse cultural influences. Although the city was never fully completed and was abandoned shortly after its construction, the ruins offer a vivid narrative of life during the Umayyad period. The surrounding landscape of the Beqaa Valley adds to the allure, providing a stunning backdrop for exploring this remarkable historical site.

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