Anjar Umayyad City
Anjar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the remarkable urban planning and architecture of the Umayyad Caliphate in Lebanon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Anjar Umayyad City
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Anjar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the remarkable urban planning and architecture of the Umayyad Caliphate in Lebanon.
"One of the nicest UNESCO heritage sites in Lebanon, a must visit when in the country."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are uneven and muddy; good footwear is essential for exploring the ruins. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited amenities on-site; pack essentials to stay hydrated and energized. :water_wave:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 883 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Umayyad Palace Ruins
Central Anjar
Explore the remnants of grand palaces, showcasing intricate geometric designs and a testament to Umayyad architectural prowess.
Cardo Maximus
Main Street
Walk along the ancient Roman-style main street, lined with remnants of columns and arches, hinting at the city's planned layout.
Tetrastyle Temple
Near the Great Mosque
Marvel at the remains of this temple, a striking example of the blend of Roman and Umayyad architectural influences.
Thermal Baths
Western Section
Imagine the daily life of the city's inhabitants as you explore the foundations of these ancient public baths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Anjar
Comfortable Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are uneven and muddy; good footwear is essential for exploring the ruins. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited amenities on-site; pack essentials to stay hydrated and energized. :water_wave:
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Plenty of history to absorb; spend ample time exploring the vast site. ⏳
📸 Drone Photography
Consider drone shots for unique perspectives of the expansive ruins. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are uneven and muddy; good footwear is essential for exploring the ruins. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited amenities on-site; pack essentials to stay hydrated and energized. :water_wave:
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Plenty of history to absorb; spend ample time exploring the vast site. ⏳
📸 Drone Photography
Consider drone shots for unique perspectives of the expansive ruins. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Convenient parking is available just outside the main entrance. 🚗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Anjar Umayyad City is lauded as a must-visit UNESCO heritage site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Umayyad history and architecture. While some areas need maintenance, the well-preserved pillars and arches leave visitors in awe of ancient craftsmanship. Its relative remoteness means fewer crowds, making for a more intimate historical experience.
"One of the nicest UNESCO heritage sites in Lebanon, however, needs a lot of attention to be given with bushes/shrubs growing all around making it difficult to walk through. Having said that, it's still a must visit when in the country. Being distant from Beirut, people usually miss it as is evident by the dismal crowds present at any point in time, but a visit here is all worth it. The city itself is an important part of history having built by the Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century and then lost only to be rediscovered just a few years after excavation. The size if roughly 300x300m and some Pillars, Arches and Floor Mosaics still are present in a very good shape and puts you in awe when imagined what might have gone into building these perfect geometrical structures back in the day without any modern tools whatsoever. Entry ticket is LBP800,000 ($9) and spend around 2hrs easily"
Shaik Masood
"Anjar City
The city of Anjar is a historic city located in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and is particularly famous for its Umayyad-era ruins. Founded in the 8th century by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I between 705 and 715, the city is considered one of the finest examples of Umayyad architecture and was constructed in a meticulously planned manner. Anjar was designed on a grid layout based on Roman urban planning principles and is adorned with palaces, mosques, baths, and shops.
After the Umayyads, the city lost its importance and was gradually abandoned. However, it was rediscovered during archaeological excavations in the 1940s and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984. Today, Anjar, with its well-preserved Umayyad ruins, is a significant destination for tourists and history enthusiasts."
Mazhar Abbas
"Anjar ruins got my heart, a must visit place in lebanon. One of the most wonderful attractions to check it out, looks like an old city or marketplace. Will be visiting it another time with some drone shots."
Bassel Zebian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anjar is located about 58 km from Beirut. You can drive via the Beirut-Damascus Highway and follow signs towards Anjar. Taxis or private drivers are also common options for reaching this historical site.
While public transport options might be limited and less direct, it's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider shared taxis (service taxis) from Beirut or Zahle for a more budget-friendly option.
Many visitors opt for organized tours or hire a private driver for a comfortable day trip from Beirut, allowing for flexibility and ease of travel.
The most common route is via the Beirut-Damascus Highway, heading towards Zahle, and then following the signs for Anjar. The journey offers scenic views of the Bekaa Valley.
There is good parking available just outside the entrance to the Anjar Umayyad City site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry ticket price is approximately LBP 800,000 (around $9 USD), though prices can vary. It's always a good idea to confirm the current fee upon arrival.
Anjar is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's recommended to check the latest opening times before your visit, especially if planning to go on a public holiday.
Advance booking is typically not required for Anjar. Tickets can usually be purchased at the site upon arrival.
Yes, Anjar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984, recognizing its outstanding universal value as a testament to Umayyad civilization.
While not always readily available on-site, many tour operators offer guided visits to Anjar as part of broader Lebanon tours. Hiring a local guide can enhance your understanding of the history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the extensive ruins including palaces, mosques, thermal baths, and the main street (Cardo Maximus). The site offers a glimpse into Umayyad urban planning and architecture. +1
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Anjar ruins, allowing time to appreciate the historical significance and take photos.
Children can find the ruins fascinating, but the uneven terrain requires supervision. It's a great educational experience about ancient history.
The Cardo Maximus, the remaining arches, and the overall layout of the city offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Consider visiting during golden hour for stunning light. +1
Amenities like restrooms and shops for snacks or water are very limited or non-existent within the Anjar ruins themselves. It's best to use facilities before entering.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are local restaurants and eateries in the modern town of Anjar, offering traditional Lebanese cuisine. Some visitors have enjoyed Lebanese pizza.
You can expect authentic Lebanese dishes, including mezze, grilled meats, and local specialties. The area is known for its fresh ingredients.
Many visitors choose to have lunch or dinner in Anjar after exploring the ruins, enjoying the local flavors. Alternatively, you can dine back in Beirut.
While specific recommendations vary, enjoying local Lebanese dishes in the town of Anjar is a popular choice for visitors.
No, there are no shops or vendors selling food or drinks within the archaeological site of Anjar. It's essential to bring your own or purchase them in the town.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the ancient ruins. Weekday mornings can also be less crowded for unobstructed shots.
Some visitors have mentioned using drones for aerial shots of the ruins, which can provide unique perspectives. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
The Cardo Maximus, the remaining columns and arches, the remnants of the palace, and the overall grid layout are highly photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the ruins, while a standard zoom lens can capture details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during golden hour.
Yes, the site features well-preserved floor mosaics and intricate architectural details that are excellent subjects for close-up photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit