Beneath the Mediterranean waters off the coast of southern Lebanon’s city of Tyre, remnants of a once-thriving ancient metropolis have begun to draw increased attention from divers and tourists following a recent conflict. The submerged ruins include stone walls, ancient structures, and a submerged roadway, all part of Tyre’s extensive archaeological heritage that traces back to Phoenician, Greek, and Roman periods.

Since a ceasefire was established in late June, ending the latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, the city has seen a gradual return of visitors interested in its underwater sites. While tourism has not yet rebounded to prewar levels, diving operators report a growing number of enthusiasts eager to explore what is often called Tyre’s “sunken city.” Yousef al-Jundi, manager of the Lebanon Diving Centre, noted that although the diving season has not fully recovered, interest continues to grow.

Tyre was formerly a major Phoenician maritime hub, famed for its extensive trading networks and the production of a distinctive purple dye. Later, it became a significant Greek and Roman cultural center. The importance of the city’s archaeological remains was recognized internationally when they were inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 1984. UNESCO also acknowledges that substantial portions of Tyre’s ancient structures remain submerged offshore, including harbor installations and parts of the former island and coastline.

The recent conflict raised concerns about the preservation of Tyre’s archaeological sites. Before the ceasefire, the city suffered heavy Israeli airstrikes, causing significant damage to its coastal neighborhoods. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee responded by placing Tyre on its List of World Heritage in Danger in July 2026, citing threats to both terrestrial and underwater cultural heritage resulting from the hostilities.

Yousef al-Jundi expressed relief that the underwater archaeological sites were spared damage during the conflict, stating that these ruins are integral to the city’s identity and history. However, challenges remain in safeguarding these submerged areas. Ali Badawi, a representative from Lebanon’s Directorate General of Antiquities, acknowledged that the underwater sites lack robust protection and face occasional encroachments.

Badawi emphasized ongoing efforts to improve the situation through surveys, research, and the development of legal frameworks aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of these underwater cultural assets. He also highlighted plans to promote investment in underwater tourism, including proposals for underwater archaeological parks designed to increase public access to and awareness of Tyre’s submerged heritage.

As Tyre seeks to recover from the recent conflict, the rebuilding of its tourism sector is closely tied to balancing development with the conservation of its rich and layered archaeological record that spans thousands of years.