Byblos Citadel

An ancient city in Lebanon that is still very popular, beautiful and clean. Culturally diverse and well preserved. The castle is a stunning sight to behold as well as the old souq that sells memories of the city. But be ready to haggle prices with locals to get the best value for your money. The port dock gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful waters and beach houses surrounding it.

As a student of archaeology, visiting Jbeil Castle (Byblos Castle) was an extraordinary experience. This sprawling site is a treasure trove of history, beautifully situated within the ancient city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Accompanied by my professor, I was struck by the castle's architectural grandeur and the layers of history embedded in its stones. Built in the 12th century by the Crusaders, the castle's sturdy limestone and remnants of Roman, Phoenician, and Ottoman influences tell a vivid story of cultural overlap. Walking through its massive halls and ascending its towers offered breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding ruins, including ancient temples and a well-preserved amphitheater. What stood out to me most was the intricate history of the site. Byblos has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, and the castle serves as a tangible reminder of its strategic importance and resilience. The detailed carvings, inscriptions, and artifacts showcased on-site further enrich the experience, making it both educational and awe-inspiring. The site is vast, and exploring it requires time to truly appreciate its beauty and significance. For me, it was not just a visit but a journey into the past. The well-maintained pathways, signage, and museum nearby make it accessible to history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. I highly recommend Jbeil Castle to anyone interested in archaeology, history, or simply beautiful places. It left me with a profound appreciation for the layers of history and the stories that ancient stones can tell.

Jbeil Castle is an amazing spot to explore if you’re into history and stunning views. The castle is right in the middle of the ancient city of Byblos, and it’s got this incredible backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The location alone makes it worth a visit. The castle itself is well-maintained and offers a great look into the past with its ancient walls and towers. You can walk around and imagine what life was like centuries ago. Plus, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, you get a perfect panorama of the sea and the city harbor. I used to visit Jbeil Castle regularly, and I really miss the peaceful vibe and the sense of history it offers. If you’re in the area, definitely check it out it’s a fantastic place to soak in some culture and enjoy the scenery.

Definite must visit when in Jbeil. The entrance is about $8 (for foreigners, not sure for locals). I spent over an hour here. There is a lot of helpful information signage with historical context. Not only is it interesting, but it’s also very beautiful. From the top of the main citadel, you can see all of Jbeil.

The experience is really nice and the view from the citadel is wonderful!

My kids really enjoyed the journey to the castle. The kids really liked it and it was like a piece of puzzle that the kids really loved when entering and exiting from different doors down stairs and upstairs. The view at the top of it is just spectacular. As a family I would absolutely recommend visiting the archeological site and enjoy the history

The castle is a marvellous piece of history that is sitting in the heart of Byblos. Parking in a nearby parking lot for a small fee and a short walk and you are at the entrance, 3 types of tickets for Lebanese residents, non residents and foreigners. Inside the castle and the grounds around it that you can explore with a good walk exploring many parts of it. Few parts are locked up and you cannot access them but the rest is enough to go around exploring it’s beauty. The grounds require continuous improvement and development of such a historic and touristic attraction, which is lacking currently or falling behind.

Breathtaking views from the castle. To be able to see something so old still stand and be able to experience it, is just amazing! Definitely recommend a visit if you're in Lebanon. Just get there early so you can take your time going to all the levels.