Church, mosque stand next to each other in Beirut

Saint George Maronite Cathedral's cross is lit during the inauguration of its bell tower in downtown Beirut, Lebanon Nov 19, 2016. Photo: Reuters/Mohamed Azakir

In Beirut's rapidly evolving skyline, a newly built cathedral bell tower has risen next to the soaring minarets of a landmark mosque, symbolising both religious coexistence and competition in a city split by sectarian war from 1975 to 1990.

The new bell tower of the 19th century Saint George Cathedral is Beirut's tallest at 72m (236ft) – the same height as the four minarets of the Mohammad al-Amin mosque that has dominated the city skyline since it was built over a decade ago.