Sidon, Lebanon

greetings,

Sidon or Saida is on the coast south of Beirut and the third largest city in the country.

the site of the city has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is believed to be one of the most important Phoenician cities... it is best known for the Sea Castle built by the crusaders in 1228.
the largest souk (outdoor market) exists here in the city center, there are several layers above and below the street, a testament to the age of the city.  there was a large souk in Beirut but it was destroyed during the 15 year war.

i was introduced to a driver by Pierre Debbane, Michael's father, as Sidon and Tyre are in the south of the country and i am not an experienced Lebanese driver! i was able to spend a few days after Hank departed to explore more of the country and stay with Michael...

Sidon and Tyre are mostly Muslim areas, as the central and northern parts of the country have more Christian inhabitants.  my guide and i ate the best falafel while enjoying the view of the sea castle before continuing down to Tyre, another 1.5 hours south on the coast.

i hope you enjoy these photos and that this finds you having a splendid day.
take care,
karengrace

sign for Pierre Debbane's childhood home, it has since been turned into a museum

view of the sea castle from the Debanne palace

view of northern Sidon and the coastline from the Debanne palace

the indoor bird cage, there are several amazing song birds, their sounds echoing throughout the palace

this is how the room was left when the family moved out, the furniture is 200 years old

dining area

fountain in the center of the living space

this room contains pictures of the Debanne historical figures

amazing Ottoman mosaics throughout the palace

the bottom floor is old part of the building and the top 2 floors were built more recently

view from the ground floor from the stables

crazy electrical splicing

views from the souk

more souk views

souk

the soap museum,  Mr. Debanne's uncle owned it
these are some of the drying racks

soap making vats, the soap was primarily olive oil based

soap label stamps

the various stages of the soap making process

the museum

me with the sea castle in the background

castle ruins

view of the barrier light house from the sea castle

inside the castle

stairway to the top

view from the top