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Temple of Obelisks
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The Temple of the Obelisks is one of the most unique and important sacred monuments of the ruined city of Byblos. Originally built at the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, during the Middle Bronze Age, the temple was dedicated to the Phoenician warrior god Resheph. In the courtyard of the temple stand dozens of small, carved obelisks, which were erected by worshippers as offerings of thanksgiving or supplication; the Egyptian hieroglyphs and Phoenician inscriptions on them prove the close commercial and religious connection between the two cultures. One of the obelisks records the name of King Abishem. During excavations, numerous votive objects were discovered beneath the building, including hundreds of tiny bronze figurines covered in gold leaf, likely depicting deities or worshippers. In the 1920s, the sanctuary was dismantled from its original location and rebuilt a few meters away on a higher elevation to allow for the excavation of the older layers beneath it.
- Location: Lebanon
- Top sights: La Rochelle Beach Resort Amchit · Byblos Medieval Port · Lady of Deliverance Church - Byblos
- Nearby: Berbara (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 115 | 82 | 43 | 23 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 56 | 96 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This thoroughly fascinating ancient archaeological site is located entirely outdoors within a broader historical park, openly displaying its unique arrangement of standing stone monuments to all eager visitors.
Typical hours
Since it is an integral part of the main historical coastal citadel complex, access very strictly follows the standard daytime operating hours of the overarching archaeological zone, closing just before sunset.
Photography
The multitude of small, remarkably upright stone pillars casts dramatic, elongated shadows during the early morning or late afternoon, offering extraordinarily striking textural photographic compositions.
Time needed
While thoroughly observing the unique array of distinctive monuments themselves only takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, exploring the entirety of the vast surrounding ancient ruins will occupy several hours.
Combine with
This specific historical site is completely surrounded by profound history, making it absolutely effortless to combine your visit directly with the formidable Crusader Castle and the charmingly scenic harbor.
Getting there
Located conveniently right within the primary archaeological zone of the famous coastal town, the site is effortlessly reached on foot once you successfully enter the main guarded visitor gates near the center.
Insider tip
Bear in mind that the current visually striking arrangement of the stones is carefully reconstructed; they were meticulously moved from their original historical location to safely preserve them during excavations.
Geography
Facts
- The height of the obelisks ranges from half a meter to over two meters.
- The temple was originally built on top of an L-shaped temple complex.
- Some of the bronze figurines feature figures wearing pointed helmets, a typical Phoenician motif.
- A cartouche of an Egyptian pharaoh, Amenemhat II, was also found on artifacts here.
- French archaeologist Maurice Dunand supervised the precise relocation of the temple.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Temple of Obelisks (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is this temple located?
Within the archaeological site of Byblos (Jbeil).
Why is it called the 'Temple of Obelisks'?
Because of the dozens of small stone obelisks found in the courtyard of the temple.
How old is the temple?
It dates back to the Bronze Age, around the early 2nd millennium BC.
Was the temple moved?
Yes, archaeologists moved it to uncover older layers beneath it.
Can you touch the obelisks?
They are fenced off, but you can see and photograph them from up close.
Temple of Obelisks: where is it located?
Temple of Obelisks is located in Lebanon.
Temple of Obelisks: what is there to see?
Highlights include La Rochelle Beach Resort Amchit, Byblos Medieval Port, Lady of Deliverance Church - Byblos.
Temple of Obelisks: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Temple of Obelisks: why is it worth visiting?
The Temple of the Obelisks is one of the most unique and important sacred monuments of the ruined city of Byblos.
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