Crusader Cathedral


The hefty bones of this sizeable cathedral are visible near the main Al Mina site. It was built in the 12th century and destroyed by the Mamluks who conquered Tyre in 1291. You can appreciate the scale of the three-aisled basilica, built from the local sandstone, from its foundations. Some of the red granite columns have been re-erected. It's not always open; check with the caretakers there.


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1. Rectangular Arena

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The most curious building at the Al Mina site is this 4th-century rectangular arena that would have held up to 2000 spectators. Its exact use is unknown;…

2. Mosaic Street

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From the entrance of the Al Mina archaeological complex, you pass down this street paved with geometrical Roman and Byzantine mosaics, on each side of…

3. Al Mina Archaeological Site

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Dating from the 3rd millennium BC, these atmospheric ruins cover a large area leading down to an ancient submerged harbour. Highlights include a street…

4. Roman Bathhouse

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This unusually large bathhouse at the Al Mina ruins complex dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. You can clearly see the masses of brick columns that…

5. Aqueducts

0.83 MILES

Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, these aqueducts run parallel to the Roman road and once supplied the city with fresh water from the inland hills.

6. Hippodrome

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Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, this well-preserved Roman hippodrome was built in the 2nd century AD and once held more than 20,000 spectators. A…

7. Monumental Archway

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8. Roman Road

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A Roman road stretches for about 1.6km through an impressive 20m-high monumental archway that probably dates from the time of Emperor Hadrian (2nd century…