North Lebanon
Northern Lebanon mixes the outdoors with extensive historical and cultural attractions. Three of Lebanon's seven protected areas are in the North possessing unique ecological characteristics rarely found in this part of the world. In addition, many other nature spots are ideal for hiking, trekking, paragliding, rafting and other outdoor activities.
The Cedars
The cedar trees, known as ‘cedars of God’ are among the last survivors of the immense forests that lay across Mount Lebanon in ancient times. Their timber was exploited by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians as well as the residents of Canaan-Phoenicia. The wood was especially prized by Egyptians for shipbuilding and Solomon used it for his temple. The forest is rigorously protected. It is possible to tour it escorted by an authorized guide.
The Qadisha Valley
This valley near Bsharreh marks the start of a deep geological fault whose extending valleys reach out of sight to the sea. The word "Qadisha" comes from a Semitic root meaning "holy" and Wadi Qadisha is the "Holy Valley". The Qadisha River, whose source is the Qadisha Grotto, runs through the valley, continuing down to Tripoli where it becomes the Abu Ali River. On the old road between the Cedars and Bcharreh is the Qadisha Grotto, where water thunders down from snow-fed springs. A sign marks the spot where you take a footpath from the roadside to the cave, a walk of about ten minutes. Closed during the winter, in summer this is the site of an outdoor restaurant and cafe.
Horsh Ehden
This natural reserve and protected area is a mountainous ecosystem on the Northern Mount Lebanon chain. It ranges from 1300m to 1950m in altitude and is located 3.5km north of Ehden and 100km from the capital Beirut. This unique forest is a mixture of trees. More than 35 different species notably conifers, such as the Cedars, the High Juniper broadleaves such as the maple and the endemic wild apple.A trip to Ehden is not complete without a visit to the "Midan", a historic public square surrounded by typical Lebanese architecture filled with cafes, patisseries and restaurants.
An everlasting memory is the sunset at Saïdit El Hosn from which you can see the whole of the north of Lebanon.
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Tripoli
Lebanon's second largest city. Forty-five buildings in the city, many dating from the 11th century, have been registered as historical sites. Secular buildings include the hammam or bathing-house, which followed the classical pattern of Roman-Byzantine baths, and the khan or caravansary.
The souks, together with the khans, form an agglomeration of various trades where tailors, jewelers, perfumers, tanners and soap-makers work in surroundings that have changed very little over the last 500 years. Other sites in Tripoli include: The Citadel (known as Saint Gilles), the Church of St.John of the Pilgrims Mount, and the Great Mosque.
Rachana
The town of Rachana, south of Tripoli is a "Museum Village" that comes to life with modern sculpture made of wood, stone, granite, or metal.
Batroun
This village on the coast south of Tripoli, is known for its ancient remains and old churches. Batroun's fishing port, still supplies local markets with fresh fish. The city's sights can be best appreciated by heading on foot through the old part of town.
Batroun also has a rock-cut Roman theater.
Musaylha Castle
It is located 6km from Batroun. The fortress was built by Fakhreddine II in 1624 to guard the route from Tripoli to Beirut. Its door, which is protected by a machicolated window, opens onto a triangular courtyard that leads to the different parts of the castle.
Click here to see a map of the North.
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