10 Magical Destroyed And Abandoned Buildings In Lebanon
One of the most alluring things about Lebanon is the sheer contrast between pre-war Lebanon and post-war, new Lebanon. I’m no expert in architecture, but holy crap; old Lebanese buildings are magical. So, this little obsession of mine and I decided to go on an adventure and do a little bit of research to bring you guys some eye candy. Enjoy!
1. Gemmayze’s architecture transports us to old Beirut:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
2. While Mar Mikhael’s abandoned homes are being transformed into cultural and artistic hubs:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
3. I can almost picture the life that once existed in this old L’Orient Le Jour building, tucked away behind Souk Beirut:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
4. These broken windows in an old Baabda home look like something out of a fairytale:
Image via ziadsalloumphotography.com
5. And the Al Kabeer Sawfar Hotel has a mysterious yet eerie charm about it::
Image via now.mmedia.me
6. Can you imagine having your morning coffee on one of these balconies at this old villa in Dhour Choueir, with a panoramic view of the mountains?
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
7. The Holiday Inn in Beirut is striking in its contrast to the modern developments around it, and to me, looks like a massive middle finger to Solidere:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
8. However, this abandoned beauty actually is:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
9. This secret Beirut hideout has been neglected for so long that Mother Nature has taken it back:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
If you look closely, you can see the arches of what appears to be a villa, and how tall it was before being eaten by the trees, which is a hundred times better than how it currently is: being eaten by Beirut’s garbage.
10. While this precious village home (again, with the most perfect arched windows) hides away in a back street in Bteghrine, Upper Maten:
Photo credit: Mira Dandan
Amongst all the chaos and crap this country is facing, these destroyed old buildings should be a powerful reminder of what Lebanon once was and a symbol of its potential. These little reminders exist in almost every corner of the country and should serve as a push towards optimism so that we can unite and create an even better Lebanon for us, and for future generations. Easier said than done, I know, but if we leave it to our politicians, history has proven that we’ll get absolutely nowhere!
