Byblos Castle
Byblos Castle
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
679 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
216
Average
40
Poor
8
Terrible
0
VinnieLondon
London, UK12 782 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Main historical site in Byblos around 1 hour drive from Beirut hugely dependent on traffic. Small entrance fee. Definitely go with a professional guide to understand the significant history of the castle across many centuries and occupations/rulers. Stairs inside castle are very steep and not well lit so not suitable for less able visitors. Views from the top of the castle are fantastic across the whole historical site, up to Byblos town and along the coast towards Beirut. There are very basic toilets on site with a charge to the attendant. Fascinating historical site well worth a visit.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Semaan D. Makary
Lebanon1 213 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
Byblos Castle was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century from indigenous limestone & the remains of Roman structures. Saladin captured the town & castle in 1188 & dismantled the walls in 1190.
Later, the Crusaders recaptured Byblos & rebuilt the fortifications of the castle in 1197. In 1369, the castle had to fend off an attack from Cypriot vessels from Famagusta.
Later, the Crusaders recaptured Byblos & rebuilt the fortifications of the castle in 1197. In 1369, the castle had to fend off an attack from Cypriot vessels from Famagusta.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSUTGR1
Phoenix, AZ1 270 contributions
Jul 2022
This iconic Byblos landmark is very close to the city center, and offers great views of the area around. There is lots of history packed in this castle, and exploring the castle provides for lots of learning and cool photo-ops. The ONLY reason I did not give this 5 stars is because on the day that I visited it, the access to the upper floors of the castle was denied with locked doors.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasaRoscoe
Ottawa, Canada272 contributions
Mar 2023
Arriving at Byblos castle in the morning we hired guide Yazid at the front gate. What a good idea. Yazid is a retired professor of history, knows his stuff, and delivers it with a sense of humour. He skips most of the plaques inside and out, choosing rather to deliver the story of the castle in his own style. He pointed out the various walls erected by the castle's occupants over the centuries, detailed how deeply the site was buried before the archaeologists began excavation, explained to us the innovative way in which royal sarcophagi were lowered into their very deep tombs, and showed us the Phoenician alphabet. It was an hour well spent, and we were glad to have visited the castle.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freddy_on_trips
Montreal, Canada2 774 contributions
Sept 2019
The Byblos Castle is located in Jbeil and is well maintained. The entry ticket is very cheap as it is 5000 L.L. (a bit less than 4$ us). One item to note is that they close at 6 PM and that it should take you between 30 to 45 min to visit just the castle. . Highly Recommended and a must visit since it offers great views of the sea and surroundings.
Please note that there are a lot of stairs to climb in the castle.
Please note that there are a lot of stairs to climb in the castle.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelsie
18 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
It's one of my favourite castles! It's an amazing contrast with the crusader building and the Roman ruins. There is also the remnant of a tram that went through the grounds. Highly recommend you don't miss it if you're in the Byblos area and it's conveniently close to the souks too. The one thing I recommend is bringing a hat and water as it can get quite hot.
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jakeyboygetslost
London, UK211 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
This is the jewel in the city and well worth a look. While there is limited signs and information, you are simply able to explore the site which is great. Worth a visit. The noise of the town is lost the moment you go in!
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agusticassa
Girona, Spain1 484 contributions
Feb 2020
The city of Byblos is a wonder and the ruins are the culmination of the visit. The city itself is very worthwhile, with alleys, restaurants, bars, very pleasant. The part of the ruins and the castle is the best, a set of historical relics from different times.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chadswick
Denver, CO164 contributions
Aug 2022
Amazing history. As with all ruins- you want more. Your imagination is always trying to figure out what things look liked back in the day. In this case that day was about 4000-6000 BC, with newer Crusader ruins built on top. There is also some Roman ruins mixed in, so you get a feel for all the travels through this historical region.
Hopefully one day, there can be some improvements with saving and restoring these valuable pieces of history but with the economic state, that might be some time.
Hopefully one day, there can be some improvements with saving and restoring these valuable pieces of history but with the economic state, that might be some time.
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmittleman
Palm Beach Gardens, FL1 409 contributions
Oct 2019
This fortress sits smack dab in the center of the ruins of Byblos. Although there's not much left of the castle, climbing to the top affords a wondrous view of the ruins. This overview really allows you to put the pieces of ancient Byblos together for a better understanding of the site.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, I'm planning to visit Byblos Castle this Monday 25 March. But I just saw that's Annunciation day. Will the castle be open during this national holiday? I can't find an official website.
Thanks!
Anna
Written 23 March 2019
The Castle is in the middle of the touristic ancient city of Byblos, locally known as Jbeil, by the sea. 5 minutes walk from the historic port which is lined with charming good restaurants. It is no more than 5 min by car from Edde Sands beach/hotel & Byblos Sud hotel & resort. 40 min to 1 hour from Beirut central district Or from Beirut international airport. Plan 1 to 2 hours walk within the castle, choose a clear day because most of it is unroofed and overlooking the Mediteranean. It is romantic & cultural, guides are available, most are multilingual and make the visit more enriching. My advise is make a day outing, stop for lunch before or after your visit. If you visit between the months of May to October then take the 5 minute drive to one of the beaches after lunch enjoy the afternoon & stay on to watch the amazing sunsets...
Written 18 February 2018
Hi! could I have the timetable in january? many thanks!
Written 3 January 2018
Vorrei sapere se il sito chiude di venerdì. Grazie!
Written 12 June 2016
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