Lee Observatory, Beirut

Lee Observatory, Beirut

The Lee Observatory is the first and the oldest astronomical observatory in the Middle East. It is located on the campus of the American University of Beirut and was opened in 1873, pioneered by Dr. Cornelius Van Dyck. The name "Lee" refers to Henry Lee, a wealthy British merchant from Manchester, who made a significant donation to help finance the project. The Observatory had a twin role, sky gazing and meteorological forecasting for the Middle East.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Beirut. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Lee Observatory on Map

Sight Name: Lee Observatory
Sight Location: Beirut, Lebanon (See walking tours in Beirut)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Beirut, Lebanon

Create Your Own Walk in Beirut

Create Your Own Walk in Beirut

Creating your own self-guided walk in Beirut is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Beirut Introduction Walking Tour

Beirut Introduction Walking Tour

How many times can a city die? Beirut, in 5,000 years, has died and come back many times. Archeological digs downtown have revealed Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader and Ottoman remains and signs of influence.

In 140 BC the city was destroyed by Diodotus Tryphon, a king of the Seleucid Empire. His Hellenistic city lies over the Phoenician one. Pompey the Great arrived in 64 BC...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Seaside Walking Tour

Seaside Walking Tour

If you wish to unwind or, perhaps, seek some quality time with your family and friends in a completely safe environment, while in Beirut, the local seaside area offers ample opportunities for both. Lined with palm trees, the city's waterfront guarantees a truly joyful experience and is as much fun for watching the Mediterranean, beautiful people and breathing the air as it is for exploring...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles