Saida Soap Museum: A fragrant journey through Lebanese tradition

Nestled in the heart of Old Saida, the Soap Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Lebanon's rich history of soap production. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century soap factory, the museum showcases the evolution of soap making techniques and the cultural significance of this craft in the region. Originally built in the mid-18th century by the Hammoud Family, the factory was later purchased and expanded by the Audi family in the late 19th century. For over 300 years, it produced soap for local residents and distant bathhouses until the Lebanese Civil War forced its closure in 1975. In 2000, the Audi Foundation transformed the complex into a museum, exhibiting traditional olive-oil-based soap production. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which detail the soap-making process from the Phoenician era to the Ottoman Empire. See displays of ancient tools, learn about the ingredients used, and discover the different types of soaps produced in Lebanon. The museum also features a charming craft store where you can purchase authentic Lebanese soaps and other handmade goods.