About Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

This beautiful cathedral is a must-visit in every travel itinerary to Beirut. It has a huge historical significance attached to itself, it was the first Christian church ever built in the old city of Beirut in early 4th Century AD. It has literally risen from ashes, it was demolished several times in the civil wars, but restored each time it was destroyed. Though efforts were made to restore its splendor, some war memoirs are left intact to make people realize the folly of wars. An amazing feature of this museum is a crypt running under a part of the cathedral where visitors can walk through 12 stops showcasing the different archaeological and historical layers. Archbishop Makarios-III said, "This cathedral with its splendid iconoclasts, beautiful frescoes and treasures is the greatest and most glorious church in the whole Middle East." This cathedral also symbolizes harmony between religions, as it stands among mosques and other Christian temples. Don't forget to visit the Nourieh Church right behind it and the crypt museum under it!

Must See

  • A beautiful Greek Orthodox church with some very nice iconographies on the walls.
  • The archeological museum literally under the floor of this church. History is hidden underneath the church in a well-designed museum.
  • The exhibit is compact but well laid out. 
  • Nice mosaics and a view of excavations under the floor through a glass window. In an area of excavations of Roman ruins.
  • The Cathedral architecture is fascinating and interior design and contents are very beautiful; the Altar, the Dome, the Walls, the Ceilings, the Icons and Paintings, the Chandeliers, the Beautiful Gold Plated Speaker Stand, and the ornamented Floor.
  • The icons including the four gospel writers on the ceiling of the central dome over the altar.

How to reach

  • 1 h 3 min (4.8 km) via Damascus by walking.
  • 12 min (5.9 km) via Bechara El Khoury by taxi.
  • Bus fares cost either 500LL (OCFTC bus 24) or 1000LL ($0.33 to 0.67).
  • Car rental prices range from economical LL40,000/day to luxury prices. Those can change according to the season, so make sure you contact the car rental company beforehand to check prices as well as pickup/drop-off locations.
  • The Taxi Service system is that the price of the ride is fixed at 2,000 L.L (€1 For private taxi LL10,000 should you want one).

Tips

  • No charge to enter. Dress modestly and no photographs.
  • There are no organized tours, however, there is multi-language literature all over to help guide you.
  • A chapel, quite fascinating, is located in the outdoor garden.
  • Ask to see the room next to the ticket counter as it contains the original paintings from which the new church versions were copied.

Visit Time

Operating Hours:
Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Nil

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

2,50 Euros for visiting the crypt museum. Though entry to the cathedral is free.

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 29.58°C

 

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