Excavated Roman bath complex with hypocaust floors, visible from the Garden of Forgiveness.
The Beirut Roman Baths are the most visible survivors of Roman Berytus, the colony famous for its law school. Excavations in the 1960s and again after the civil war uncovered a bath house with basins, columns and an under-floor heating system, the hypocaust, which circulated hot air beneath the floors. The baths lie in the Garden of Forgiveness, a public park near the Grand Serail, and can be viewed from a raised walkway with information boards. Entry to the excavation floor is restricted to special occasions. The site shows how much of ancient Beirut lies under today's Downtown and why developers were forced to stop and excavate before rebuilding the city centre in the 1990s. It is a short, free stop on any Downtown walk.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Viewable from the garden daily |
| Address | Rue Emir Bechir, Garden of Forgiveness, Downtown, Beirut |
Why it matters
Best-preserved Roman remains in central Beirut
Location
Rue Emir Bechir, Garden of Forgiveness, Downtown, Beirut
33.8975, 35.5087 View on map
Highlights
- Hypocaust heating system
- Roman basins and columns
- Raised viewing walkway
- Garden of Forgiveness setting
Tips for visiting
- Allow 20 minutes.
- View from the garden walkway.
- Do not climb the ruins.
- Combine with Martyrs' Square.
When to visit
Mid-morning.
Accessibility
The garden path is level; the excavation is fenced.
Frequently asked questions
How old are the baths?
They date to the Roman period, roughly 1st to 3rd centuries CE.
Is it free?
Yes, to view from the garden.
Can I enter?
Only on limited occasions.
Why are they in a garden?
The site was preserved as a public park after excavation.