Which ancient ruins are located next to Byblos Castle?

The castle borders the Temple of Baalat Gebal, the Temple of the Obelisks, Egyptian temples, a Phoenician royal necropolis, and a Roman amphitheatre.

What materials were used to construct the castle?

The fortress was constructed using indigenous limestone and reused components from Roman structures.

Who controlled the fortress during Crusader rule?

The castle belonged to the Embriaco family of the Genoese Republic, who governed as Lords of Gibelet.

What other historical names refer to Byblos Castle?

Historical records also identify the stronghold as the Castle of Gibelet or Giblet.

Beirut · Lebanon

Byblos Castle: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

Archaeological researchers and long-term specialists balance direct access to layered Phoenician ruins against the daily coastal humidity around the fortress perimeter.

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Now in the cityByblos Castle+24°CPartly cloudyupdated 02:15 PM Around here1

Exchange rateL£89,500per 1 $LBP — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Worth a day trip

Káto Lakatámeia≈ 3 hr 25 min East Jerusalem≈ 3 hr 30 min

About the place

Crusader builders raised the Castle of Gibelet by recycling Roman structural blocks and indigenous limestone.

Crusader forces constructed the fortress using local limestone blocks and salvaged Roman structural columns. Known historically as the Castle of Gibelet, the citadel served as the stronghold for the Genoese Embriaco dynasty. A deep defensive moat enclosed the central perimeter. The complex stands immediately beside ancient Phoenician ground, bordered by the Temple of Baalat Gebal and the Temple of the Obelisks.

Read on

Sultan Saladin took the stronghold during his regional campaign and dismantled sections of the outer masonry. Crusader armies subsequently recovered the territory and reconstructed the damaged fortifications. The citadel later defended the harbor against naval incursions launched by Cypriot vessels from Famagusta. Surrounding land contains an ancient Roman amphitheatre, royal Phoenician tombs, and Egyptian temple foundations.

Associations

Embriaco DynastyGenoese lords governed the fortress and town for generations.
Temple of the ObelisksAncient Phoenician sanctuary standing adjacent to the Crusader walls.
Temple of Baalat GebalExcavated religious complex located right beside the castle moat.
Saladin Siege DamageMilitary captures caused dismantling and rebuilding of medieval walls.
Roman AmphitheatreSurviving classical performance venue situated within the compound area.

Facts

Crusader builders constructed the fortress using native limestone and material salvaged from Roman ruins.
The Genoese Embriaco family governed the stronghold when it was known as the Castle of Gibelet.
The compound is directly adjacent to the Temple of Baalat Gebal and the Temple of the Obelisks.
Fortress garrisons repelled naval assaults carried out by Cypriot vessels sailing from Famagusta.

Updated September 21, 2026Source: Wikipedia

Byblos Castle: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

What is around1

Crusader builders raised the Castle of Gibelet by recycling Roman structural blocks and indigenous limestone.

Getting there and staying

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