Jbeil, known in antiquity as Byblos, is a coastal town in Lebanon on the Mediterranean. The facts here describe it as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which makes it a place where a visit is very much about walking through layers of time.
What you will see
- Phoenician ruins, including ancient temples, reflecting the city's long history as Byblos.
- Roman theatres, remains from the centuries when the city was part of the wider classical world.
- Crusader-era architecture, set alongside the older stonework and close to the harbour.
- The historic souks, the old market streets, where you can wander and browse at your own pace.
Because the sites sit close together around the harbour, the town is easy to explore on foot. The waterfront gives the ruins a picturesque setting, and the view of the boats and the sea is a pleasant counterpoint to the stone.
Eating and resting by the water
Waterfront restaurants serve fresh seafood, and an unhurried lunch or evening meal by the harbour is a natural part of a visit. Plan the walk around the sites first, then settle in for a meal as the light changes over the water.
Jbeil suits visitors who enjoy archaeology, history and coastal towns, and who are happy to combine a few hours among the ruins with time spent simply sitting by the Mediterranean. Check current access and opening arrangements before you travel, as these can change.