FRENCH CARAVANSERAI

Located in the middle of the souks not far from the sea, the El-Franj khan is one of the many caravanserais built by Fakhreddine II in the 17th century to develop trade with the West. However, this thesis is contradicted by some researchers who claim that the khan was built by the great vizier Mehmed Pasha 60 years before Fakreddine's arrival. This rectangular building, composed of two floors of vaulted galleries, a large courtyard, a basin and reception rooms, housed the French traders of Saida since the 17th century, and housed their goods and horses on the ground floor.

The khan was successively the residence of the French consul in Sidon, home of the Franciscan Fathers, then orphanage of young girls. A true haven of peace and freshness compared to the hustle and bustle of the adjoining souks, it has recently been renovated by the Hariri Foundation. A large room is used for temporary exhibitions. There is a tourist information office that has some brochures on Saida and other Lebanese sites. The French Institute regularly organizes events there.

Behind the khan, Bab al Saray Square has recently been redone. The mosque, built in 1201, is considered the oldest in the city. A haven of peace, this square is an ideal place to take a break on one of the café terraces where the inhabitants of the district meet daily.

To the west of the khan, you can see what remains of the hammam al-Mir, bombed during the war and considered one of the most beautiful in the city with its mosaic-covered ceiling and marble floor.

As you walk down the small streets behind the khan towards the souk, you reach a square where you can see the Qtaich mosque built of white stones. Continuing through the small streets, you may come across the hammam Al Jadid, owned by the Hammoud family who had it built in 1719. Unfortunately out of order, it is considered as one of the largest hammams in Saida.