I used to spot this mysterious monument on my way to school, and I’ve always wondered about its origins. I’ve even once tried to reach it by foot during my school days, but I didn’t succeed.
Continue reading “Haidara, Lebanon’s Litte Petra”
Located on a strategic hilltop and overlooking the valley, Majdel Anjar temple is one of the most impressive Roman sites that I’ve ever visited.
Continue reading “The forgotten temple of Majdel Anjar”
I came across an old illustration of Baalbeck complex from 1757 and I noticed that Jupiter temple had 9 columns while only 6 stand still today! Doing some research, I discovered that they fell during the 1759 devastating earthquakes that hit the Near East.
Continue reading “Back when Jupiter temple had 9 columns”
Back in May 1948, Ivan Dmitri, a well-known American Photographer, decided to travel across Lebanon with his crew in a Woodie Wagon. They visited many places around the country, starting from Beirut and the coastal cities all the way up to Bsharri and the Cedars, Bekaa Valley, Hammana, and many other places.
Let’s travel 74 years back in time and discover Lebanon through his lens.
Continue reading “A roadtrip in Lebanon back in 1948”
Central-Bekaa is one of Lebanon’s most historically rich areas. It’s home for many touristic sites and is also known for its dairy and wine production industries. I came up with a list of things to do in Central-Bekaa but there are of course much more places to discover.
Continue reading “Top things to do in Central-Bekaa”
Located on the foothills of Mount Barouk, my hometown “Kherbet Qanafar” is a spectacular town in West-Bekaa. Boasting splendid scenery and a whole host of activities, this destination is perfect for adventure seekers. I’ve previously worked with Lebanon Traveler magazine on this mini-guide, I’m re-sharing this updated version with more insights and places.
Continue reading “Qanafar’s mini guide”
Qubbat Dûris was built in 1243 during the Ayyubid era. Its eight columns were probably borrowed from the ruins of the nearby Baalbeck Complex and were randomly assembled, one being upside-down. A dome used to exist atop these columns.
Continue reading “The neglected “Qubbat Dûris””
Vines have been growing in Lebanon for more than 4000 years. Our Phoenician ancestors were among the first to understand the mystery of wine and export it across the Mediterranean. The discovery of a 2,600-year-old wine press that was recently shared by National Geographic is another evidence of the extensive overseas trade in wine by the Phoenicians.
Today, we have more than 40 wineries across the country. I’ve put together a list of 10 Lebanese wineries that are on a 50 kilometers route and that can be all visited on the same day. Enjoy “The Lebanese Route des Vins” and drink responsibly.
Continue reading “The Lebanese “Route des Vins””
North-Bekaa is one of the most captivating historical areas in Lebanon, it’s home for the popular temples of Baalbeck as well as much less known attractions and hidden gems. Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit.
Continue reading “Top 10 things to do in North-Bekaa”
Standing alone for 1900 years, no one is sure why this Corinthian column exists. Some say it was built by St. Helena of Constantinople (mother of Emperor Constantine the Great) while others say it marks the site of a great ancient battle.
Continue reading “The lonely column of Iaat”
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