A local initiative by artisan Hani Akiki, RockFort (+961 81 298 049) combines craftsmanship, café culture, and creative gatherings in the heart of Hrajel.
In the mountain village of Hrajel, artisan Hani Akiki has shaped a place that reflects
both his craft and his attachment to home. Founded in 2019, RockFort grew from a
simple intention: to bring life, culture and warmth back into a rural setting often bypassed by Lebanon’s cultural map.

Where Objects Carry Memory

Step inside RockFort and the space immediately feels lived in. Restored armchairs,
mirrors, rugs, wooden cabinets, plants and artworks coexist in an intentionally eclectic
harmony. Each piece has been sourced, repaired, and often reimagined, allowing past
lives to merge naturally with present use. Nothing is placed to impress; everything is
arranged to invite. Visitors are encouraged to sit, linger and interact with the space
rather than merely observe it.

The Café Bar as a Gathering Point

At the heart of RockFort lies a small café bar that anchors the experience. Coffee is
served alongside herbal infusions, homemade cookies, simple tartines, Lebanese wine
and seasonal snacks prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The offering is modest
and thoughtful, reinforcing the idea of RockFort as a shared living room overlooking the
surrounding mountains rather than a conventional café stop.

Culture Where You Least Expect it

Beyond its objects and flavors, RockFort has quietly become a cultural meeting point.
Workshops, intimate concerts, artistic gatherings and discussions regularly animate the
space, bringing together villagers, creatives, and travelers passing through Keserwan.
Some events are free or offered at symbolic prices, reflecting a belief that culture should
circulate freely and remain accessible, even far from urban centers.

Sustainability as a Daily Practice

Reuse and respect for materials sit at the core of the project. Furniture is sourced from
abandoned homes, markets or discarded piles, then restored or subtly transformed,
sometimes even repurposed for entirely new functions. Upcoming workshops centered
on natural materials and traditional crafts extend this philosophy beyond objects,
encouraging hands-on, environmentally conscious practices.

A Place Built on Human Connection

The name RockFort reflects both the physical foundation of the building and the spirit
behind it. Built on solid rock and surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, the space
mirrors its environment: grounded, resilient and timeless. Supported by close
collaborators and a discreet family presence, the project relies less on institutions than
on genuine social ties.

Why RockFort deserves a stop

For travelers exploring Mount Lebanon beyond the usual routes, RockFort offers a
meaningful pause. It is a place to slow down, connect, and experience Lebanon through
craftsmanship, conversation and community, proof that some of the country’s most
inspiring addresses are found quietly rooted in the mountains.

For more info check out www.boutique-rockfort.com