From 705 until 750, the impressive Aanjar Umayyad settlement - only discovered in 1949 - served as the first and only inland trading center in Lebanon. In the seventh century, the Umayyad Family became the first Arab dynasty in Lebanon, ruling from Damascus and with an Islamic empire eventually reaching all the way to southern France. As one of the few Umayyad traces in Lebanon, the site became UNESCO heritage in 1984.  It covers a rectangular area of 374 by 308 meters, surrounded by thick walls and split into four sections by two Roman-style roads. In the towered walls are several gates, stairs and inscriptions. To build the complex, materials from Roman and Byzantine periods were recycled, which is seen clearly looking at the columns and some of the stonework. 

To fully explore the site, about one hour is required. The entrance is at the northern gate of the site and the fee is 6,000 LBP (open daily).