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The Soap Museum: A fragrant journey through Sidon's history

Discover the history and art of soap making at Sidon's Soap Museum, a sensory experience in a beautifully restored historic factory.

4.5

Housed in a restored 17th-century soap factory in Sidon's Old Town, the Soap Museum showcases the history and techniques of traditional Levantine soap making. Visitors can explore exhibits, watch demonstrations, and purchase handmade soaps, experiencing a sensory journey through this ancient craft.

A brief summary to Soap Museum - Saida

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a more personalized experience and to avoid crowds.
  • Don't miss the gift shop for unique, handmade soap souvenirs.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming Old Town of Sidon.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Soap Museum is located on Al Moutran Street in Haret Audi, within Sidon's Old Town. From most points in the Old Town, it's easily accessible on foot. Simply navigate towards the heart of the Old Town and follow signs for the Soap Museum. The walk is generally short, around 5-10 minutes from the main square. There are no specific costs involved in reaching the museum if you are already in Old Town.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Sidon by bus from Beirut, the bus station is located just north of the city center. From the bus station, you can take a local taxi or 'service' (shared taxi) to the Old Town. A service shouldn't cost more than a couple of U.S. dollars. Alternatively, you can walk to the Old Town in about 20-30 minutes. Once in the Old Town, follow the walking directions above. Bus fare from Beirut to Sidon: approximately $4 USD. Service taxi from Sidon bus station to Old Town: approximately $2 USD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Sidon. Ask the driver to take you to the Soap Museum in the Old Town (Haret Audi, Al Moutran Street). A taxi ride from outside the Old Town shouldn't cost more than a few U.S. dollars, depending on the distance. Taxi fare within Sidon: approximately $4 USD for a 5km ride.

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Discover more about Soap Museum - Saida

The Soap Museum, also known as the Audi Soap Museum, is a unique cultural gem nestled in the heart of Old Town Sidon. This museum isn't just about soap; it's a fragrant journey through the history of soap making in the Levant. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century soap factory, originally built by the Hammoud family and later expanded by the Audi family in the 19th century. The factory operated for over 300 years before closing in 1975. The Audi Foundation undertook the restoration and transformed it into a museum, which opened in November 2000. Parts of the structure even date back to the 13th century. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history, development, and manufacturing techniques of soap making in the region. See artifacts discovered during excavation, including clay pipe heads from the 17th to 19th centuries and pottery fragments. One can witness demonstrations of traditional olive oil soap production and learn about the history of hammams (bathhouses). The museum also showcases the variety of forms, perfumes, and colors of soaps produced from Aleppo to Nablus. The ingredients used in traditional soap making include olive oil, laurel oil, and traditional perfumes. The museum also features a gift shop where you can purchase handmade soaps and other locally produced items.

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