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Royal necropolis of Ayaa

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Royal necropolis of Ayaa

Royal Necropolis of Ayaa

Located in Sidon, Lebanon, this ancient royal necropolis consists of two underground chambers containing 21 sarcophagi. These stone coffins belonged to Phoenician royals and nobles and feature a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Lycian architectural styles, providing evidence of the cultural exchanges and burial customs of the period.

Getting There

The site is situated within the city of Sidon. From the city centre, it is accessible via a short taxi ride or local transport, typically taking about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours exploring the chambers and examining the sarcophagi.

When to Visit

The site is best visited during the cooler months of autumn and winter to avoid the intense summer heat. Visiting during weekday mornings generally allows for a quieter experience, as weekends can see an increase in local visitors.

Combining with Other Sites

Due to its central location, the necropolis can be paired with several other nearby attractions within a short distance:

  • Sidon Mithraeum: 1.2km
  • Debbane Palace: 1.2km
  • Sidon Sea Castle: 1.2km
  • Sidon Soap Museum: 1.3km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Royal necropolis of Ayaa

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Sidon 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Sidon grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Sidon Mithraeum

Heritage & monuments

Sidon Mithraeum

This underground sanctuary in Sidon was devoted to Mithras, the Persian god popular among Roman soldiers. Statues and marble reliefs uncovered during excavations in the late 19th century offer a glimpse of what it once looked like.

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Museums & galleries

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Castles & palaces

Sidon Sea Castle

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Sidon Soap Museum

Museums & galleries

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

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Castles & palaces

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Heritage & monuments

Temple of Eshmun

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2.4 km away