Cultural Tourism of Lebanon
Museums
The Lebanese cultural heritage combines the ruins of temples, castles and streets, statues, monuments, sarcophagus, funeral steles, thrones, inscriptions, mosaics, as well as relics including of tools, offerings, jewelry, utensils, armory and coins… All that in addition to modern artworks of sculpture, paintings, music and more.
Based on this cultural and architectural richness found in Lebanon and accumulated throughout the ages, Lebanese museums were established in order to preserve this distinguished heritage and also to make it accessible to public.
Today, Lebanon has many public and private museums spread all over the country and some are found inside archeological sites (Beiteddine, Baalbek, Byblos etc.), or inside monasteries and religious shrines. Besides, there are private museums named after some Lebanese craftsmen, artists, writers and intellectuals that took Lebanon into a higher standard.
Lebanon: The Gourmet’s Paradise
Lebanon is the gourmet’s paradise. Thanks to its marvelous Mediterranean climate, fresh fruits and vegetables abound here all year long. With varied and exotic food, the Lebanese cuisine, though often compared to that of other neighboring countries, has its own particular taste.
Festivals
Lebanon hosts several large festivals headlining big name acts, including both Lebanese and international performers. Extending over several days or weeks, these internationally renowned events attract large crowds from throughout the region. Several of the summer festivals are held at major archaeological and historical sites, including Baalbek, Byblos(Jbail), and Beiteddine, providing a spectacular backdrop for the musicians, dancers, and performers. Visit the festival websites for more information about event schedules, dates, and tickets.
Smaller folk festivals, street festivals, and religious events occur in villages throughout the country in the summer and year round. Search our Events Calendar to find out more information about these festivals.
Below are the festivals of Lebanon.
– Aanjar Festival
– Al Bustan Festival
– Baalbek Festival
– Batroun Festival
– Beiteddine Festival
– Byblos Festival
– Ehdeniyat
– Jounieh Festival
– Tyre International Festival
– Zouk Festival
Handicrafts
A BLOSSOMING OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
Lebanon is a small country that has successfully preserved its ties and roots. It would be too lengthy and rather beside the point to confer on all ofLebanon’s heritage here. We will therefore focus on its traditions in crafts and popular arts.
Lebanon is one of the only countries whose craft goes back so far in History. In fact, Lebanon has witnessed ten thousand years of uninterrupted efforts in assuring the continuity of its crafts, while guarding against the trap of modernity and industrialization. Crafts in Lebanon are numerous and varied and can mostly be attributed to the patient work of craftsmen of the Lebanese mountains. Namely, blown glass, Phoenician Tyrian Purple fabrics, fine ceramics and the Arab’s magnificent jewelry, delicately embroidered textiles and garments woven with gold and silver threads. One can also mention the manufacture of the crusader’s bronze bells, 19th century cutlery and 20th century leather crafts.