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Khan El Franj: A Historic Caravanserai in Saida

Explore Khan El Franj in Saida: A historic caravanserai, cultural hub, and architectural gem reflecting the city's rich trading past.

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Khan El Franj, or the Caravanserai of the Franks, is a 17th-century Ottoman-era trading center in Saida's historic district. Built to accommodate French merchants, it features a large courtyard, covered galleries, and a central fountain, reflecting its historical role as a commercial hub. Today, it serves as a cultural center hosting exhibitions and workshops.

A brief summary to Khan El Franj

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the narrow streets of Sidon's Old City surrounding the Khan, filled with historic mosques, souks, and traditional Lebanese houses.
  • Visit the nearby Sea Castle, a Crusader fortress offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Check for ongoing cultural events, exhibitions, or workshops hosted at the Khan during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Khan El Franj is located in Saida's historic district, easily accessible on foot from most points within the Old City. From the Saida Sea Castle, walk east through the souks towards the port. The Khan is a short distance from the wharf, near the intersection of the souks and the seaside corniche. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by public transport from Beirut, buses typically stop at Nijme Square, a short walk from Saida's Old City. From Nijme Square, walk towards the sea and follow signs to the historic district and souks. Khan El Franj is a few minutes' walk from the square. Bus fare from Beirut to Saida ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 L.L.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Saida. From anywhere in the city, a taxi to Khan El Franj should cost approximately 6 USD as a starting price, with 1.3 USD per kilometer. Ensure the driver knows the location in the historic district. From Beirut, a taxi to Saida would cost approximately 61,491 LBP.

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Discover more about Khan El Franj

Khan El Franj, located in the historic district of Saida, Lebanon, is a captivating landmark with a rich history. Constructed during the Ottoman period, between 1540 and 1560, it was initially leased to French merchants, hence the name 'Khan El Franj,' meaning Caravanserai of the Franks. The structure served as a vital trading post, facilitating commerce between Europe and the Levant. The Khan's architecture embodies the style of urban khans, featuring a large rectangular courtyard with a central fountain, surrounded by covered galleries. These galleries provided space for storage, trade, and lodging for merchants. Over the centuries, Khan El Franj has been repurposed, serving as a French consulate, an orphanage, and an educational facility. In the 17th century, Emir Fakhr al-Din II expanded the khan to include a French consulate, a convent, an orphanage, and a cultural center. In the late 1990s, the Hariri Foundation renovated the Khan into a cultural center, which helped preserve the building. Today, it hosts artisanal workshops, exhibition spaces, and the Ministry of Tourism. Khan El Franj is easily accessible from the port and connects the docks to the souks. Visitors can explore the ancient stables, wander through the labyrinthine corridors, and climb the narrow staircases to the upper floors.

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