ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Located within the reserve is Birak Ras Al-Aain. The biraks, or “ponds,” are artesian wells that date back to the Phoenician era. According to Assyrian texts, Shalmaneser V ordered his soldiers to protect them during the blockade of Sour (Tyre) in 725 B.C. Throughout the centuries the wells were rebuilt and connected to other channels, providing fresh water for consumption by people and domesticated animals and for irrigation.

 

MAJOR ACTIVITIES NEARBY THE RESERVE

The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is well positioned, located alongside public beaches and in close proximity to the city's many archaeological, cultural, and historical sites.

The General Directorate of Antiquities excavated in and around Sour (Tyre) for nearly 50 years, concentrating on two major archaeological sites which can be visited today: the City Site and Al-Bass Site. The Al-Bass Site consists of an extensive necropolis, a three-bay monumental arch, and one of the largest Roman hippodromes ever found. All date from the 2nd century A.D. to the 6th century A.D. The City Site is located on what was originally the Phoenician island city. This area is a vast district of civic buildings, colonnades, public baths, mosaics, streets, and a rectangular arena.

After a morning or afternoon of site-seeing and beach time, visitors can take refreshment at one of  Sour's (Tyre's) many restaurants. Visitors wanting to make a weekend of it can find accommodation in the form of hotels, B&Bs, and camping (with permission from the reserve) on the public beaches.