Twisting skyward like a double helix, Ardea Purpurea stands here at a way to verdun. Have you noticed how this mosaic sculptured fountain captures the eye? It marks Beirut’s postwar rebirth. It also highlights Lebanon’s return to traditional Byzantine mosaic art.
A way to verdun is actually Rue Verdun. This upscale commercial and residential street honors the Battle of Verdun. That World War I battle gives the street its name. Officially, it’s Rachid Karami Street. He was a Lebanese Prime Minister. Sadly, he was assassinated during the Lebanese Civil War.
Notice the street’s vibrant atmosphere. Verdun hosts many hotels. You’ll find the Four Points by Sheraton. It sits right at the entrance to Rue Verdun. The Radisson Blu Hotel Verdun is near the Dunes Center. The Bristol Hotel stands at the intersection of Verdun and Hamra. Staybridge Suites is near the intersection of Verdun and Iben Rouchoud.
A way to verdun is a shopper’s paradise. It boasts major fashion boutiques. You will find retail chains and the large ABC shopping center. The street has restaurants too. Cafes and coffee shops line the sidewalks. Nightlife is quieter here. There are few clubs or bars.
Let’s talk about ABC Verdun. This mall earned a LEED Certified rating in 2018. The design is unique. Semi-open spaces and green areas connect the inside with the outside. The building uses a modern ventilation system. It also has centralized chillers. These chillers have variable speed compressors.
Did you know that the Verdun Merchant’s Association funded Ardea Purpurea? Marco Bravura created it. He is a sculptor from Ravenna, Italy. The fountain cost fifty thousand dollars. The association’s president wanted a beautiful Lebanese-Italian monument.
Considered for Sarajevo initially, Bravura chose Beirut. He saw Lebanon as virgin territory for public art. He felt more beauty was needed on the streets. The fountain symbolizes friendship between Italy and Lebanon.
Look closely at the fountain’s spirals. A vertical jet of water rises between them. It creates a stunning visual. Ardea Purpurea embodies reconstruction. It represents rebirth in an empty space.
Dunes Verdun shopping center is a highlight here on a way to verdun. It is located in a well-regarded residential area. You can shop, watch a movie, or enjoy family entertainment. The Radisson Blu Verdun is inside the center. This is convenient for visitors.
You’ll find fashionable brands here. Guess, Swarovski, and Aishi are among them. Tony Sawaya, a famous Lebanese hairstylist, also has a salon. Enjoy a day of pampering.
Many food options await. Dip ‘N Crunch and Zaatar w Zeit are popular. Casper and Gambini’s, once a single coffee house, is nearby. Now it is an award-winning restaurant.
Children can bowl or play arcade games. Empire cinema offers a quality viewing experience. Librarie Antoine, a famous bookstore, is also here.
Verdun 730 and Verdun 732 are within walking distance. These areas have cafes, accessory shops, and restaurants. Roadster, an American-style diner, is down the street.
As you leave a way to verdun, remember the Arab Phoenix. It rises from the street’s heart. It symbolizes resilience and beauty. It also shows the power of art in everyday life.