Sidon (Saida in Arabic) means "fishing" for it was graced by "Qala 'At Al Baher" Castle of the Sea built by Crusaders. Sidon is one of the famous names in ancient history. But of all of Lebanon's cities this is the most mysterious, for its past has been tragically scattered and plundered.

There is evidence that Sidon was inhabited as long ago as 4000 BC, and perhaps as early as Neolithic times. The ancient city was built on a promontory facing an island, which sheltered its fleet from storms and served as a refuge during military incursions from the interior. In its wealth, commercial initiative, and religious significance, Sidon is said to have surpassed all other Phoenician city-states.

There are numerous sites of interest: The Saint Louis Castle and the Murex Hill, 45 meters high and made of an accumulation of shells from which the Phoenicians extracted the famous famous purple dye. Its inhabitants were famous for their valuable art work. Among the merchandises were pottery and glassware, ivory hairpins, valuable objects carved in ivory and gold and jewellery set with semi precious stones etc.

Lonely Planet Lebanon by Siona Jenkins

The Business Traveller's Handbook by James Lawday, George Asseily

Lebanon Country by International Business Publications USA

Traveller's Survival Kit by Carole Cadwalladr, Anna Sutton

Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon by Terry Carter, Lara Dunston, Andrew Humphreys

Beirut's Memory by Ayman Trawi

Guide to Lebanon by Lynda Keen

Insight Guide Syria and Lebanon by Dorothy Stannard

Syria Lebanon (Nelles Guides) by Nelles Verlag

Lebanon Investment & Business Guide by Emerging Markets Investment Center

Lebanon Country Study Guide by International Business Publications USA

Beirut City Center Recovery by Robert Saliba

General Information | History Of Lebanon | Touristic Sites | Photo Album | Lebanese Cuisine | Lebanese Directory