As of today, it will be possible to admire the monumental columns of the Temple of Jupiter by reaching them through a new route, a track that leads to their base with stunning views. It is one of the results of the work of the Italian Cooperation, which carried out during the last few years, through a funding of around 15 million euros, the restoration and the requalification of some of the most important archaeological and cultural sites in Lebanon.
In Baalbeck, Italian experts worked for two years on the restoration and consolidation of the colossal colonnade of the Temple of Jupiter, the most famous and most iconic monument in Lebanon. A site that served also as a training school for Lebanese experts and workers who were able to learn the most innovative restoration and conservation techniques. A work that allowed the handing over to the Lebanese authorities, and to all humanity, of a unique treasure. A UNESCO site of unparalleled beauty.
The conclusion ceremony took place in the presence of the Italian Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, the Lebanese Minister of Culture, Mohamad Wissam Mortada, CDR representative, Ibrahim Chahrour, and the Mayor of Baalbeck a.i., Mustafa Chal.
Ambassador Bombardiere stressed in her speech how “The reputation of this site, its history and in particular the monumental Roman remains of Baalbek which belong to World Heritage list of UNESCO, are universally known and attract visitors since the antiquity until now. Working for its preservation has requested, especially for the restoration of the colonnade, extraordinary skills and very advanced methodology. Preserving Heritage is a responsibility and a duty that we collectively have towards humankind. Italy will continue to do its part”.
Minister Mortada in turn stated that: "We recognize that the Italian embassy in Beirut has been and still relentlessly working to spread these values we’ve in common through its interest in the Lebanese cultural heritage, without any distinction between those belonging to the Roman era, such a s the Temple of Jupiter, and those that are considered as a whole source of cultural knowledge for all humanity, such as the Quadisha Valley and the Lebanese National Museum, as well as the other ancient and middle archaeological sites in many Lebanese cit ies and towns. This ongoing work held under the supervision and followup of Her Excellency Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, is a real proof of the strong friendly relations between Italy and Lebanon, and the wellestablished values of cooperation and dev elopment characterizing both Italy and the Italian people. In this delicate context of which Lebanon is currently dealing with a harsh crisis, we do highly appreciate and value all cooperation initiatives offered by the friendly countries, and mainly here by Italy, through aid and donations aimed at financing various cultural, life and development projects. As all the exit ways are being tightly closed in front of the citizens, it is necessary to search for a certain exit pathway, which would be leading to all the many and many other ways. Nothing could be much more rooted in the earth or standing taller toward the sky, and wider open than the culture itself. That culture that must really be one of the economic boosters for the national economy, and a key e lement within the expected recovery plan and that’s what we’ve been lately striving to be working for. As a final word for Baalbek I would say: Baalbek, as your six pillars are standing high and with utmost majesty, so are you and so are your fellow citi zens who have been defending the bright and shining principles of freedom, truth and values. I would like to thank Italy and Her Excellency the Ambassador of Italy Mrs. Nicoletta Bombardiere as well as all the members of the Italian embassy in Beirut and all who worked on achieving the restoration project that we are celebrating today".
