Why Beirut's Bullet-Scarred Holiday Inn Is A Symbol Of War

Still untouched by Beirut’s development rush, the Holiday Inn stands as a symbol of war in a circle of progression. The hotel, built around 1974, was a large hub of tourism with 26 stories, a restaurant, nightclub, and 400 rooms. Its magnitude, for the time, made it a symbol of luxury and a reflection of Beirut’s golden age in the sixties when it was a lively center for regional and international tourism. Businessmen, affluent families, and magnates all considered Beirut their weekend getaway.

Shortly into its run, the Lebanese Civil War broke out in 1975 and the Beirut dream turned into a nightmare. With a war that lasted between 1975 and 1990, the Lebanese witnessed around 120,000 fatalities and disappearances. The main kindling for war was an attack on a bus transporting Palestinians through Beirut: an event prompted by the imbalance of sects with the Palestinian arrival in Lebanon. The fighting escalated and sides were taken until soon there became militias and groups fighting a war without an end.

As one of the tallest structures, the Holiday Inn became a strategic hub for fighters and military men. Soon it became central in a famous battle dubbed the “Battle of the Hotels.” Between 1975 and 1977, the hotel saw 1,000 deaths and 2,000 injuries in the fight of militant control of the front lines. Many deaths occurred by men being thrown off the hotel’s roof.

With the signing of the Taif agreement, which divided governmental positions between sects and the end of the Civil War, came the end of the city’s widespread destruction and violence. However, the hotel, owned by several parties, was still a topic of dispute. It still stands today as a symbol of war and destruction, reminding the Lebanese of their rocky history. It also has a curious place in between all the newer hotels and structures, reflecting the city’s singular history and even more singular present.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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