St George Maronite Cathedral
A stunning 19th-century neoclassical cathedral, rebuilt after war, showcasing resilience and ancient history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St George Maronite Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 19th-century neoclassical cathedral, rebuilt after war, showcasing resilience and ancient history.
"A surviving proof of how resilient Christian people are and how important they were in Beirut's history."
Dress Code Reminder
Cover shoulders & knees for respectful entry. :pray:
Explore the Surroundings
Don't miss the ancient ruins behind the cathedral. :ancient_roman: :ruins:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neoclassical Architecture
Admire the stunning 19th-century design, inspired by Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore.
Resilient Reconstruction
Witness a symbol of Christian resilience, beautifully restored after civil war damage.
Ancient Ruins
Explore Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine remains discovered during excavations.
Magnificent Interior
Behold the wooden ceiling, granite columns, and intricate icons and paintings.
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Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Code Reminder
Cover shoulders & knees for respectful entry. :pray:
Explore the Surroundings
Don't miss the ancient ruins behind the cathedral. :ancient_roman: :ruins:
Appreciate the Art
Admire the detailed icons, paintings, and woodwork. :art:
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of services; avoid flash photography. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Code Reminder
Cover shoulders & knees for respectful entry. :pray:
Explore the Surroundings
Don't miss the ancient ruins behind the cathedral. :ancient_roman: :ruins:
Appreciate the Art
Admire the detailed icons, paintings, and woodwork. :art:
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of services; avoid flash photography. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St George Maronite Cathedral for its stunning neoclassical architecture and magnificent interior, particularly the wooden ceiling and granite columns. Many highlight its significance as a symbol of resilience, having been beautifully restored after civil war damage. The presence of ancient ruins on-site adds another layer of historical intrigue.
"One of the most beautiful Maronite cathedral in Lebanon . It was destroyed during the civil war and it was extremely damaged . It was rebuilt after the civil war with the help of many faithful Maronite believers.we have attended the midnight mass for Easter and it was so beautiful. This cathedral is a surviving proof how resilient the Christian people specially Maronite and how important they were in the history of Beirut ."
George A N
"Originally built in the second half of the nineteenth century, Saint George Maronite Cathedral was renovated in the middle of the twentieth, badly damaged during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), then restored to its original designs in the late 20th century. Those designs were inspired by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The church's grounds are surrounded by much older remains of structures from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods that were discovered during excavations that took place starting in the 1960s. After visiting the interior, go behind the cathedral for a better appreciation of its scale and surroundings."
Georges Younes
"church from the 19th century based on the roman architecture. renovated after being damaged. now the interior is magnificent with the wooden ceiling and the granite columns."
david antoun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cathedral is located in the heart of Beirut, easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. It's a central landmark, so most drivers will know its location. Walking is also an option if you're staying nearby in the downtown area.
Parking can be challenging in downtown Beirut. It's advisable to use ride-sharing apps or taxis to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the cathedral is generally free. Donations are welcome to support its upkeep.
The cathedral is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check locally or visit during daylight hours. Services may affect visitor access.
Yes, a modest dress code is expected. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered out of respect for this religious site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a magnificent wooden ceiling, granite columns, and beautiful icons and paintings, including a notable St. Anthony painting. The altar is also a work of art.
Photography is usually permitted, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and be mindful of other visitors.
Absolutely! The cathedral is built on grounds with older remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, discovered during excavations. It's worth exploring the area behind the cathedral.
It's a symbol of Christian resilience in Lebanon, rebuilt after significant damage during the civil war. Its architecture is inspired by Roman designs, and it stands as a testament to faith and history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the cathedral is in the heart of Beirut's downtown area, which is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a wide range of cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture is impressive, especially the facade. Inside, the ornate ceiling and altar offer great photographic opportunities. Don't forget the ancient ruins behind the cathedral for a unique shot. +1
Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and around religious sites. It's best to check local regulations before attempting any drone photography.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and Historical Layers
What makes the cathedral's location even more fascinating is its archaeological context. The grounds surrounding the cathedral are a treasure trove of history, revealing remnants of structures dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. These ancient layers were uncovered during extensive excavations that began in the 1960s. Visiting the cathedral offers a unique opportunity to connect with centuries of history, from ancient civilizations to modern resilience, all within a single, significant site.
The Symbolism of Coexistence
For many, the cathedral represents not just a place of worship but also a beacon of hope and a reminder of the Christian community's deep roots and significant contributions to Lebanese society and history. Its survival and restoration after the devastating civil war underscore the strength and determination of its faithful.
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