Tyre: Ancient History and Nature in the Wider Area

Tyre is a city with a history stretching far back into antiquity, set within a wider natural environment. In ancient times, Tyre was an important city; its seafarers sailed the Mediterranean from the Phoenician period onward. The archaeological areas include tombs, roads and large public complexes. The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve adds a natural dimension to the picture of the city.

Nature in the Wider Area Around Tyre

The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve covers more than 380 hectares in the wider area around Tyre. Its sandy beach is described as the largest in Lebanon. The area provides a habitat for numerous plant, animal and insect species. The beach and biodiversity give this natural area a range of distinct features. This distinction may be useful when looking for a holiday rental: if you mainly want to include Tyre’s historic sites in your plans, focus on the city. Nature can be considered as a separate focus in the wider area.

Archaeological Remains in Tyre

The archaeological site of Tyre includes a funerary temple, decorated sarcophagi and tombs, an arch, a Roman road, and a hippodrome with room for around 20,000 spectators. The range extends from individual tombs and buildings to a complex designed for a large audience. The site thus encompasses different forms of ancient architecture and use.

Tyre’s maritime history is also part of the picture of ancient Tyre: the city’s seafarers sailed the Mediterranean from the Phoenician period onward. This perspective beyond individual archaeological buildings gives the city’s history a distinct focus.

The World Heritage Site in the South Lebanon Governorate

In the South Lebanon Governorate, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tyre comprises two separate areas: the site on the headland of the modern city and the El Bass necropolis on the mainland. The city site includes the remains of Roman baths, two palaestras, an arena, a Roman colonnaded street and a residential quarter. Palaestras were ancient training facilities; together with the arena and colonnaded street, they can be understood as different components of the city complex. Also included are the remains of a cathedral built by the Venetians in 1127 and parts of the walls of an old Crusader castle.

The El Bass sector includes the remains of a necropolis—an ancient burial ground—and a wide monumental street, above which rises a Roman triumphal arch dating from the 2nd century AD. A monumental dam stands at the site of the city’s main entrance in antiquity. El Bass thus refers both to burial sites and to prominent parts of the ancient city complex.

Another Natural Attraction in the South Lebanon Governorate

Jezzine Waterfall is a natural attraction in its own right in the South Lebanon Governorate. It is located 904 metres above sea level and is described as the fifth-highest waterfall in the world and the highest in the Middle East. It adds a natural dimension to the regional picture beyond the local description of Tyre.

Discover more destinations: Saida.

Return to the main travel overview: South Lebanon Governorate.