Tyre Things to Do

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The centre of the Hippodrome has structures that appear to be the altar and obelisk that would have been for sacrificial and celebratory purposes. This isn't an expert opinion, but it's what I am supposing they were for based on what appears in Baalbek. In any case, the obelisk is one of the best preserved pieces in the entire complex.

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The Hippodrome, or the section of the old Roman town that was devoted to the racing of horses and similar shows, is by far the largest section of the ruins. There is little left to give it the same shape as it would have had, but it is clear that this was a massive section of the town, and that it was used by spectators. The seating is still seen in parts, and it is obvious that it must have accommodated thousands.

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As in every Roman city, Tyre has its Cordo Maximus, and unlike in Anjar, a fair amount of the arches that lined the Cordo Maximus are still standing. These give the entire way along the Cordo a sense of pomp and majesty that is palpable even now, despite the ruins.

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Tyre was taken by the Romans in 64 BCE after having been independent for approximately 150 years. The residents were permitted a certain amount of autonomy, but the sovereignty of Rome was made clear by the presence of its architecture and its construction. Nothing is a better example of this than the Triumphal Arch at the head of the Cordo Maximus.

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Tyre was first founded in 2750 BCE and, like Baalbek, can boast a continued settlement through the passage of a variety of conquerors and empires, from the Phoenicians through to the modern Lebanese Republic. The greatest vestige of this long history is the collect of Roman ruins to the east of the city’s core. The ruins are not nearly as well organized as those of Baalbek (which are far from being well organized), but they are indeed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer the visitor some spectacular examples of Roman architecture. The site is also known as Al-Mina, for its proximity to the sea.

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Located on the shores of the Egyptian Harbour on the southern end of the peninsula of Tyre, al-Mina Area 1 is the most scenic of Tyre's archaeological sites. It is graced by wonderful views of the Mediterranean shore and the mountains behind. Although this area occupies the site of the Phoenician island of Tyre (pre-Alexander the Great), the ruins that have survived are almost entirely from the Roman period. This site contains the agora/forum, an arena, the Roman baths, a palaestra, colonnaded roads (cardo and decumanus) and residential quarters. Each of these ruins is described separately further below on this page.

The travelogue "Al-Mina Area 1: General Views" has more photos of this site, but for some of the stunning details, take a peek at the travelogue: "Al-Mina Area 1: Archeological Details."

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Beautifully landscaped and lined with palm trees, the northern Corniche of Tyre curves along the scenic Sidon Habour, named so because it faces the city of Sidon. On clear days, views extend all the way to the snow-capped Mont Liban and Mount Hermon. A stroll along this corniche with its breathtaking views is most pleasant and relaxing. With the sight of Tyrian families and lazy fisherman, it is hard to imagine that this city could have had such a turbulent history!

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At the western end of the peninsula of Tyre is a tranquil seashore road that runs from the Christian Quarter to the archaeological areas in the south of the peninsula. It is a great place for an afternoon stroll with excellent views over the Mediterranean Sea. The area and its beach have been landscaped with benches and paths for relaxation and strolling, but watch out for fallen Roman columns! There are in fact fallen red granite Roman columns around the beach. Only in Tyre!