You’ve been to Jeita Grotto, visited the National Museum and explored the Roman ruins in Baalbeck. These are all must-see attractions, but for a little variety, Lebanon Traveler has picked 10 places in Beit Mery, Broumana and Baabdat that even some locals don’t know about
Aqueduct of Zubaida
Heading up towards Beit Mery, in the secluded river valley
between Mansourieh and Hazmieh, you will find the remains
of a Roman aqueduct that was built to convey water across
the Beirut River onwards to the city. Built in 273 AD during
the reign of Roman emperor Aurelian, the arched bridge-like
structure over the aqueduct is known today as “Qanater es-
Sett Zubaida” or the Arches of Mistress Zubaida.
Beit Mery
The three hills, which make up this town, have been home to summer vacationers since the times of the Phoenicians and Romans. Its
pleasant weather and lush pine forests overlooking Lebanon’s valleys and sea make it a favorite resort spot for those trying to beat
the heat. Beit Mery (derived from the Aramaic term for “the house of my lord or master”) has two prehistoric archaeological sites
where flint industries have been found by Jesuit archaeologists. One is on the right bank of the Beirut River, south southwest of the
town, the other is east of the road from Beit Mery to Deir el Kalaa, on a sloping plateau facing the junction of the Nahr Meten and
Nahr Jamani
Municipality +961 4 870702
Deir el Kalaa Country Club + 961 4 972989
Al Janna restaurant +961 4 873120
Restaurant Ain Al Khasfeh + 961 4 870912
Tiger restaurant + 961 4 870564
Deir el Kalaa
This Maronite Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, and its ancient
Roman and Byzantine ruins, rests on three levels. At the top are
the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to the god “baal marqod”
over which a church dedicated to Saint John was constructed in
1750. The old church is incorporated into the present early 20th
century structure. A short walk down the hill leads to a small
second century AD temple to the goddess June. Of particular note
is the mosaic floor of a 6th century Byzantine church with one of
the reused temple columns in place. Nearby is a remarkably wellpreserved
public bath. Once a Roman-Byzantine settlement, the
entire site is littered with remains of more temples, a second bath
and a colonnaded street.
+961 4 870080
Al Bustan Hotel
.
A local landmark in Beit Mery and the site of an annual
festival of music and art, Al Bustan or “the orchard” in
Arabic is a five-star hotel with a commanding view over
Beirut and the Mediterranean. Founded by Emile Bustani
and his wife Laura in 1962, it houses a growing collection
of art, sculpture, and antiquities in its 117-room facility.
+961 4 972980
Broumana
The House of Rammana the god of air, storm and thunder,
doesn’t seem like where you would find thousands of
tourists eager to escape the summer heat, but despite its
namesake, Broumana has a relatively cool climate all year
long. The town’s 6km long main street is lined with shops,
restaurants, bars and café’s that come alive after dark. If you’re
in the mood for French cuisine, Le Gargotier is a quaint
spot that’s especially romantic in the brisk winter months
and for traditional Lebanese fare, Broumana has some of
the best restaurants in the country. Their old-world charm
and spectacular views of the city, offer guests a one-of-kind
experience. If you’d like to spend the weekend in town, there
are numerous hotels to choose from including the charming
Printania Palace Hotel, the iconic Grand Hills Hotel & Spa, or
for the budget conscious, Hotel Le Crillon.
Printania Palace Hotel +961 4 862000
Grand Hills Hotel & Spa +961 4 86 8888
Hotel Le Crillon +961 4 8655555
Le Gargotier +961 4 960562
Burj El Hamam +961 4 862211
Mounir +961 4 873900
Kasr Fakhreddine +961 4 960407
Bits and pieces
For those that like bric a brac, look out for Raja Raad’s
collection of old pieces from Lebanese houses that you
can buy, anything from an old window to a marble slab.
+961 3 450936
Ayn Asalaam
Broumana wouldn’t be what it is today without the Swiss
missionary Theophilus Waldmeier and the Quakers. In 1873,
he climbed the steep mountain on horseback with his eight
children and purchased a vast stretch of land called “Berket
al-Ghanem” (the Pool of the Conqueror) which was later
changed to “Ayn al-Salam”, (the Fountain of Peace). He did this
with the help of the Society of Friends in England who gave
him the funds with the intent that he would build a school for
the local girls and boys. The isolated mountain area quickly
flourished and was even the location of the first tennis court
in the Middle East. Brummana High School (BHS) continues
to operate under the same principles of peace and goodwill
till this day. It hosts numerous cultural and educational events
throughout the year including the May festival, a summer
retreat for children and an international tennis tournament.
BHS +961 4 960430/1/2
Deir Mar Chaaya
In 1700 the Antonin Maronite Order was founded in the
Monastery of Mar Chaya by Patriarch Gabriel of Blaouza.
The modern day structure is surrounded by several
community based activities and meeting areas. Before
you reach the valley, the main road heading down is a
popular walking track especially in summer. As you head
uphill, you’ll find a small chapel on your right hand side, as
well as an organic market with fresh produce and a small
zoo. All of the products sold in the store are grown and
cultivated on the grounds, including a selection of wine
from locally grown grapes. Dairy products are sourced
from the numerous cows on the property and farm fresh
eggs are always a treat to find each morning. The kids will
love watching the animals prance around, and when the
weather gets warmer they can even go on a pony ride.
+961 4 862813
Baabdat
Since the opening of the highway a few years ago, this mainly
summer resort town has blossomed into a full-fledged
community, with residents living all year round. The name
Baabdat is derived from the Aramaic words “beit abdutha”
meaning the home of adoration. Famous locals include the
former president of Lebanon, Emile Lahoud, film director
Carmen Labaki, director/actress Nadine Labaki and Maxime
Chaya – the first Lebanese to climb Everest. The views from
Baabdat are stunning. It has numerous historic churches like
Saint Mamas Church built in the 16th century. For those that
like exploring it also has many springs. Before heading down to
Beirut, stop by Azrak for an ice cream cone in Chamees and
make the ride back, a refreshing one.
Municipality +961 4 820097
Azrak Pastry & Ice Cream +961 3 633022
Eat at Le Tournant Restaurant +961 3 459523
Stay at Colibri Hotel +961 4 820269
Seven Churches
On the Thursday before Easter known as Maundy or Holy
Thursday, the washing of the feet is a traditional component of
the celebration (symbolizing Jesus washing the Apostles’ feet)
followed by an informal visit to seven churches. Those who
follow tradition today usually need a car to embark on such a
journey, but if you’re in the area of Brummana, you can do it by
foot. Starting from Printania Palace Hotel, head straight through
Broumana’s old town and the first church is Mar Gerius of
the Greek Orthodox faith, followed by Mar Chaaya Maronite
church. Continue walking to Mar Charbel church and you’ll see
two very old chapels, both named Mar Gerius across the street.
Your last stop here will be the Azarieh church located on the
grounds of a school belonging to the Azarieh nun’s order. A
short hop to the main street is the location of the seventh and
final church, Mar Elias in front of Farrouj el Achkar, where you’ll
find the best chicken sandwiches in town.
Also see the Church of the Prophet Isaiah – the oldest structure
in Broumana dating back to 333 B.C.
Municipality +961 4 860860
Try Farrouj el Achkar +961 4 862443
Getting there
The easiest way to get to this area of Metn (the
mountains) is to take the Emile Lahoud highway from
Nahr el Mot and get off on the Baabdat exit. If you are
near Sin el Fil, Beit Mery is easily accessible from the
Mkalles roundabout. Get on the road heading east. You
will drive through Mansourieh and Ain Saadeh before you
reach Beit Mery on the mountain-top. Follow the road to
Broumana and Baabdat, where you can take the highway
heading back towards Beirut. The scenic road is even
better on your way down with beautiful panoramic sea
views.