Saida, the mysterious city on the Lebanese south coast

Dominated by a Crusader citadel and open to its port, Saida (or Sidon) is one of the most prestigious cities on the south coast of Lebanon. A city steeped in history, with little-known origins, but which charms by its small streets and souks that have remained in their original state. Saida is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in Lebanon that is worth the detour.

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Traveling from Beirut to Saida, Tyre and 22 other locations across Lebanon, the new Beirut Image Festival is celebrating photography - especially Arab photography, with over half the photographers included being from the Middle East - as an art that should be accessible to all - doing so by literally taking photographs to the streets of the Arab country. From photos of life amidst rubble in war-torn cities and villages, to portraits of labourers, head to the LINK IN BIO to see more of its incredible images and for more on the festival. - Above is a photo included in #BIF by Iraqi photographer Anwar Sobeih (@Anwer.89). - - #ArtinArabia #ArabArt #ArabPhotography #InternationalPhotography #BeirutImageFestival #BeirutImageFestival2019 #ArabArtists #ArabPhotographers #IraqiPhotographers #🇮🇶 #Beirut #BeirutLebanon #SaidaLebanon #TyreLebanon #🇱🇧

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For a successful stay in Lebanon, a small tour in the mysterious city of Saida (or Sidon) is a must. Located 48 km south of Beirut, Saida is a very old coastal city also known as the "capital of South Lebanon". An emblematic city of ancient Phoenicia, Saida was born at the same time as Jbeil-Byblos and Tyre. From its history, it keeps essentially traces of the passage of the Babylonian and Roman Empire.

Saida is an obligatory step to fully immerse oneself in authentic Lebanon. This city is a real historical and commercial crossroads for the whole country. Through its heritage and its souks, the citadel succeeds in highlighting its most beautiful assets.

First stop during a stay in Saida, the Castle of the Sea, built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Linked to the city's port by a stone bridge, the fortress is visible from the bus station. It offers a magnificent landscape that can be easily observed along the cornice. Once at the castle, the ruins lend themselves to an authentic stroll to the main hall of the tower. From the top of the medieval tower's roof you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire coastline.

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قلعة صيدا صيدا جنوب لبنان - Saida Castle South Of L E B A N O N . . .قلعة صيدا هي بناها الصليبيون على جزيرة في في اللبنانية عام 1228م مدينة حوالي 80 مترا من الشاطئ، ويربطها جسر مبني على تسع قناطر. ويعتقد أنه شيد مكان معبد فينيقي مخصص لعبادة الإله ملكرت بسبب النقوش على التي القلعة. The city of Sidon is located on the #Mediterraneancoast of #Lebanon. This ancient Phoenician city has been of great religious, political and commercial value; it is said to be #inhabited since 4000 B.C. During the #13thcentury, the Crusaders built Sidon's Sea #Castle as a fortress on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow 80m long roadway. The #island was formerly the site of a temple to Melqart, the #Phoenician version of #Heracles. The beauty of the Castle can be seen in old #illustrations of it; however, after bearing several wars, it has been damaged and renovated several times. It was partially destroyed by the #Mamluks when they took over the city from the #Crusaders, but they subsequently rebuilt it and added the long causeway. The castle later fell into disuse, but was again restored in the 17th century by #EmirFakhreddineII, only to suffer great damage.... Photo by: @saratourdumonde... #saida #saidacastle #southlebanon #mylebanon #صيدا #جنوب #لبنان #الجنوب #lebaneseallworld #lebanonrepublic #جمهورية_لبنان #قلعة_صيدا #قلعة_البحرية #visitlebanon #visitsaida #livelovelebanon #livelovesaida

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Just in front of the castle, al-Moutran street leads to the famous traditional souks of Saida. Between souks of tapestries and typical Lebanese ornaments, the arcades of the old city are animated by a particularly joyful atmosphere.

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Further on, the furniture souk offers a unique landscape of children and old craftsmen working wood in narrow streets. These small carpentry workshops welcome visitors with open arms, who can take a closer look at the colourful mirrors and boat lamps made of cedar wood.

At the exit of the main street, a lane leads to the Greek-Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. A true heritage vestige, this haven of peace dates from the 8th century. It is the only place that the city of Saida has been able to keep away from the marvellous sounds of the souks. Calmer and more peaceful, the atmosphere is rather made of many gustatory temptations. The ideal place to taste the local pastry (nammouras, candied fruit balls or almond paste).

Below the souk is the Soap Museum. As its name suggests, this place invites you to discover the history of soap, from its manufacture to its daily use. Established in the 19th century, the soap museum allows you to discover all the possible varieties of "saboun": round, square, perfumed or coloured.

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