St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Beirut
The cathedral is the oldest operating church in the city. It sits on the remains of the Anastasi Romano-Byzantine Cathedral, which vanished after the earthquake of 551 AD. The Anastasi church was founded by Efstathius in the 5th century. It was located at the edge of Berytus's Roman Law School.
In the 12th century a cathedral was built over the Anastasi site. It was rebuilt after the 1759 earthquake that devastated the Levant area of the Mediterranean world. The rebuilt was declared completed in 1767, but the ceiling collapsed, killing 90 people. Not that many compared to the earthquake, but still. In 1772 the builders tried again.
The new version was built on a cruciform plan. It had three naves, a new portico, a bell tower and the vaulted ceiling was supported by columns. Good idea. In 1783 there were more changes. A narthex was added, the apse enlarged and the gilded iconostasis (altar wall with icons) was installed.
In 1910 the cathedral received a vaulted south portico and the bell tower was moved to the southeast corner. Artist Ibrahim Youssef Saad created lavish frescoes in the interior. The cathedral was bombarded and vandalized in the civil war. In 1995 Metropolitan Elias Audi announced restorations. Restoration was complete in 2003.
A museum was established in the crypt of the cathedral. The museum covers 2,700 square feet. There are exhibits of ancient Christian vessels, ornaments, some of the old altars, mosaics, and the Roman main road. There is also a necropolis with 25 tombs.
The devastating explosion of 2020 caused serious damage to the cathedral, so the cycle of disaster and rebuilding in Beirut continues.
In the 12th century a cathedral was built over the Anastasi site. It was rebuilt after the 1759 earthquake that devastated the Levant area of the Mediterranean world. The rebuilt was declared completed in 1767, but the ceiling collapsed, killing 90 people. Not that many compared to the earthquake, but still. In 1772 the builders tried again.
The new version was built on a cruciform plan. It had three naves, a new portico, a bell tower and the vaulted ceiling was supported by columns. Good idea. In 1783 there were more changes. A narthex was added, the apse enlarged and the gilded iconostasis (altar wall with icons) was installed.
In 1910 the cathedral received a vaulted south portico and the bell tower was moved to the southeast corner. Artist Ibrahim Youssef Saad created lavish frescoes in the interior. The cathedral was bombarded and vandalized in the civil war. In 1995 Metropolitan Elias Audi announced restorations. Restoration was complete in 2003.
A museum was established in the crypt of the cathedral. The museum covers 2,700 square feet. There are exhibits of ancient Christian vessels, ornaments, some of the old altars, mosaics, and the Roman main road. There is also a necropolis with 25 tombs.
The devastating explosion of 2020 caused serious damage to the cathedral, so the cycle of disaster and rebuilding in Beirut continues.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Beirut. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Sight Location: Beirut, Lebanon (See walking tours in Beirut)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Beirut, Lebanon (See walking tours in Beirut)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Beirut, Lebanon
Create Your Own Walk in Beirut
Creating your own self-guided walk in Beirut is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Beirut Introduction Walking Tour
How many times can a city die? Beirut, in 5,000 years, has died and come back many times. Archeological digs downtown have revealed Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader and Ottoman remains and signs of influence.
In 140 BC the city was destroyed by Diodotus Tryphon, a king of the Seleucid Empire. His Hellenistic city lies over the Phoenician one. Pompey the Great arrived in 64 BC... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In 140 BC the city was destroyed by Diodotus Tryphon, a king of the Seleucid Empire. His Hellenistic city lies over the Phoenician one. Pompey the Great arrived in 64 BC... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Seaside Walking Tour
If you wish to unwind or, perhaps, seek some quality time with your family and friends in a completely safe environment, while in Beirut, the local seaside area offers ample opportunities for both. Lined with palm trees, the city's waterfront guarantees a truly joyful experience and is as much fun for watching the Mediterranean, beautiful people and breathing the air as it is for exploring... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles