Sidon

Heritage & monuments

Temple of Eshmun

An ancient temple dedicated to Eshmun, the Phoenician god of healing, located on the banks of the Awali River near Sidon. The site was expanded by successive kings from the 7th century BC onward, and visitors can explore these remains today.

Castles & palaces

Sidon Sea Castle

Built by the Crusaders in the 13th century, this fortress is one of the defining historic landmarks of the Lebanese port city of Sidon. Set right against the sea, it preserves the traces of an ancient stronghold.

Castles & palaces

Saint Louis Castle

A ruined castle in the heart of Sidon, built by French Crusaders in 1254 on the site of a former Fatimid fortress. It was rebuilt several times up to the 17th century, and its layered history makes it an interesting place to explore.

Nature

Awali River

A 48-kilometer river flowing through southern Lebanon, originating from Mount Barouk and Mount Niha before emptying into the Mediterranean. It's a great way to take in nature along the western slopes of Mount Lebanon.

Heritage & monuments

Royal necropolis of Ayaa

An ancient royal necropolis in the coastal city of Sidon, Lebanon, where 21 sarcophagi of royals and nobles rest in two underground chambers. The sarcophagi, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Lycian styles, offer a glimpse into Phoenician burial customs.

Museums & galleries

Debbane Palace

This grand Arab-Ottoman-style mansion is located in Sidon, Lebanon. Built as a private residence in 1721, it retains its courtyard layout and a reception hall with an indoor fountain, preserving the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Museums & galleries

Sidon Soap Museum

This museum occupies a former soap factory in Sidon. It showcases the history of traditional Levantine soap-making along with related artifacts.

Nature

Zahrani River

This river flows south of Sidon and is an important local waterway that irrigates the Jabal el-Rihane and Nabatieh areas. It meets the sea north of the Litani River's mouth.