The golden wall
Rock before the sea.
Clément Bucco-Lechat — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Clément Bucco-Lechat — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Clément Bucco-Lechat — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Amalmc — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Canaïma — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Phoenician Wall is a natural barrier of sandstone on the shore at Batroun, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Lebanon. It rises before the sea in a long golden line, with flat rocks and small pools beneath. Visitors come here before settling into the harbour restaurants, and it is the finest feature of the old city's coast. Ancient geographers mention Batroun as Botrys, and it is probably the Batruna of the Amarna letters of the 14th century BC. It is said to have been founded by Ithobaal, king of Tyre. An earthquake in 551 destroyed the town and is thought to have formed its large natural harbour. It later came under the Crusaders from 1104 and the Mamluks from 1289. You see a worn wall of rock jutting from the coast and sheltering a shallow strip of water behind it. Patches of salt form in the hollows of the rock. Nearby stands the Our Lady of the Sea chapel with its stone arches, and a short walk away are the harbour with its colourful boats, St Stephen's cathedral and the houses of the old town. It is in the heart of Batroun, within walking distance of the harbour, and Mseilha Fort is about 4 km away in a straight line. Watch out for slippery rocks and for waves on stormy days, and wear suitable shoes. The best time is just before sunset, and it combines well with the old souk on the same walk.
Rock before the sea.
A chapel with stone arches.
Colourful boats nearby.
Old town shore, Batroun, northern Lebanon
It is originally a natural rock wall, and tradition links it to the Phoenicians, who are said to have cut and strengthened it.
Some people swim in the shallow strip behind it, so watch for rocks and waves.