Experience France in the Middle East at Star Square
If you are in the Middle East and are craving a little French culture, look no further than Star Square, the main city square in Beirut, Lebanon. Getting its name because, when viewed from the air it is shaped like a star, Star Square, also known at Nejmeh Square,is located in the redesigned historic downtown of Beirut. It is home to the Lebanese Parliament and its complementary buildings, two cathedrals, a museum, and several cafes and restaurants. Most notable for its Art Deco architecture, the square has become a recognizable icon of Beirut City worldwide. The jewel of the square is 1930s clock-tower with its four-faced Rolex clock - a gift from Lebanese-Brazilian émigré Michel Abed.
Named the number one place to visit in 2009 by the New York Times and also listed as one of the top ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet, the quaint shops and restaurants that line the wide cobblestone pedestrian streets give it more of a French feel than a Middle Eastern one. In fact some consider Beirut the Paris of the Middle East. The French influence came as a result of Lebanon becoming part of the French Mandate of Syria after WWI. In 1920, France formed the State of Greater Lebanon as one of several enclaves within Syria. Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943 during the time France was occupied by Germany although French troops remained in the country until the end of WWII in 1946.
Named the number one place to visit in 2009 by the New York Times and also listed as one of the top ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet, the quaint shops and restaurants that line the wide cobblestone pedestrian streets give it more of a French feel than a Middle Eastern one. In fact some consider Beirut the Paris of the Middle East. The French influence came as a result of Lebanon becoming part of the French Mandate of Syria after WWI. In 1920, France formed the State of Greater Lebanon as one of several enclaves within Syria. Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943 during the time France was occupied by Germany although French troops remained in the country until the end of WWII in 1946.
The Mohammad al-Amin Mosque
The Clock Tower at Star Square
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Other notable sights to see in downtown Beirut include:
Mohammad al-Amin Mosque – an Ottoman style mosque commissioned by former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. In 2002, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri earmarked $24 million US dollars towards the construction of this magnificent building with its oriental carpets and high powered laser that projects a narrow beam of green light towards Mecca. Unfortunately the Prime Minister was assassinated in 2005 and was unable to see the completed mosque. Rafik Hariri Memorial Garden - The "Rafik Hariri Memorial Garden" is a public space in the Saint George Bay neighborhood facing the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut Hotel. The garden pays tribute to the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the other 22 victims who died in the massive car bomb attack on 14 February 2005 on the same exact site. Roman Baths - The "Roman Baths" is a landscaped public space that lies on the eastern slope of the Serail Hill. It consists of a garden and a set of uncovered ruins of ancient Roman baths, hence the name of the place. The space contains elevated terraces that attempt to revive sights of ancient Mediterranean gardens. During the tourism season, the place hosts several open-air concerts and plays Imam Ouzai Square - The Imam Ouzai Square is part of the Beirut Souks project in the BCD. The square marks the main entrance to the souks from Rue Weygand. The square's floor is tiled with black marble stone, and it hosts an old olive tree in its center. Architecturally speaking, the design of the square integrates several features from its old heritage as well as several elements of modernity. A cupola-topped prayer hall to the left creates a virtual entrance to the square by mirroring a Mamluk-era shrine on the right. The square offers passages to Souk Tawileh, Souk Sayyour, and the Gold Souks. |
For more information on Lebanon CLICK HERE
For tips on visiting the Middle East CLICK HERE
For general travel tips on what to pack and how to plan ahead CLICK HERE
For tips on travelling on a budget CLICK HERE
For tips on visiting the Middle East CLICK HERE
For general travel tips on what to pack and how to plan ahead CLICK HERE
For tips on travelling on a budget CLICK HERE
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West House 3
Jeanne D’Arc Street Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961.1.350450 www.westhotels.net Single Rooms starting at $40 USD This hotel is close to the American University and a 15 minute walk to the waterfront. They are small apartments with comfortable beds. |
How to Get There - Fly into Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
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