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City in Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon
Photo: BlingBling10, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Baalbek بَعلبَك is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Lebanon and one of the country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Baalbeck or 'Heliopolis' as it was known is the site of great ancient temples built by the Phoenicians, the Romans, and other civilisations that have conquered the region and enjoyed the fertile soil of the Bekaa Valley. Some of the most celebrated temples are the ones of Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, and Jupiter, the Roman god of light, of the sky and weather.
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1st century AD.
When you visit Baalbeck, be sure to drop by Abd an-Nabi al-Afi, the fellow who is caretaker to possibly the largest cut stone to be found anywhere on Earth (Hajar al-Hubla). He's working hard to clean up the environment a little bit, and he even offers tours of the area. Ask him to take you to the cafe up on the hill for an evening view of the valley.
The classical hotel in Baalbek, open since 1874. However, it has taken a downturn with just 20 rooms open and skeleton staff. Still, Palmyra is the option for those wanting to experience yesteryear.
Located next to Hotel Palmyra, this small boutique hotel offers just five rooms. However, the whole building is renovated and the hotel offers a service way and above that of its bigger cousin nextdoors.
Budget hotel with spacious rooms on the city's main street near the ruins.
Buses to Baalbek from Beirut leave the Cola intersection frequently and cost 7,000 LL.
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Beirut · International · BEY
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Articles and travel topics about Baalbek and Lebanon.
Culture & historyThe Roman Empire was the greatest ancient empire of Europe. At the height of its power in 117 AD, it ruled over considerable parts of Europe, as well as much of North Africa and the Middle East.
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InspirationSome hotels have a heritage from the golden age of steam railways and ocean liners, before the Second World War, in the 19th or early 20th centuries. These hotels were where the rich and the famous of the day would stay.
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Nature & adventureEvery visitor to Lebanon has heard that in this country one can ski on snow in the morning and swim in the waters of the Mediterranean in the afternoon.
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Food & drinkWhile the Middle East is vast and diverse, similar culinary traditions can be found across the region. They have been formed by the Mediterranean climate, commercial routes to Europe, Asia and Africa, and the Abrahamic…
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