Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Anjar, Lebanon
Lebanon is home to countless historical sites and ancient efforts ruins. Among them lies the ancient city of Anjar. Famous for its incredible Umayyad ruins and strong Armenian ties, Anjar is a delightful day trip for history lovers.
In this blog I’ll cover everything you need to know about this ancient city, how to get there and all the essential tips you should know before visiting. Also planning to visit Baalbek? Check out my Baalbek guide here!
Ruins at Anjar
What is Anjar?
Anjar is an incredible city built during the Umayyad period under the role of Caliph Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malak (705-715). Having only recently been discovered (end of 1940s) by modern humans, the find shines a light on the previously relatively unknown Umayyad civilisation.
Anjar played the role of an inland commercial centre at the heart of 2 major trade and travel routes; one from Beirut to Damascus and the other crossing the Bekka and leading from Homs to Tiberiade.
It is thought the city was never completed and was abandoned shortly after its construction when Caliph Ibrahim, son of Walid, was defeated.
Who Were the Umayyads?
Between the years of AD 661 and 759, the Umayyad dynasty rules the Muslim Caliphate. The dynasty was mostly ran and concentrated in Damascus, in modern day Syria.
The Umayyads were responsible for a number of ancient wonders including; Anjar, Jordan’s Qusayr Amra Desert Castle and the Great Mosque of Damascus.
How old are the ruins at Anjar?
Anjar is close to 1,300 years old. The architecture of the sites evidences Greek, Roman and Byzantine influence along with the arched Umayyad relics.
How big is Anjar?
Anjar is big! The city would have been around 114,000 square meters when it was built and was home to over 600 shops, a place, a mosque and a hammam to name but a few of its features. The ruins from all of these can be seen today and really are a spectacular site. I couldn’t help but wonder and imagine the hustle and bustle of the 600 shops back in its glory days!
Is it safe to visit Anjar?
As the ruins lay just a few kilometres from the Syrian border, there is a terrorism threat in the area. However, the boarders are tightly controlled by the Lebanese forces and we felt extremely comfortable and safe throughout our entire visit.
How do you get to Anjar?
While renting a car and driving from a city such as Beirut is possible, I would highly recommend booking onto an organised tour. There are loads available on Trip Advisor, many of which have excellent reviews. Booking onto a tour is the safest way to visit, you’ll also get a guide to show you around and explain the ruins in detail which is super fascinating!
If you do choose to rent a car and drive, be prepared for some chaotic roads and to be stopped at many checkpoints along the way.
You might also enjoy …
