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North
Lebanon: Natural & Spiritual Sanctuary
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In the heart of northern Lebanon are some of the country’s most unique and sacred religious sites, making the region a spiritual –as well as natural – haven. The Holy
Qadisha Valley has been a place of refuge for those fleeing religious persecution since the 5th century. As the seat of the Maronite Church (a Catholic sect established in Lebanon in the 6th century AD), the Valley houses some of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. The Qadisha’s ancient, rock-cut monasteries are a destination for those seeking pilgrimage and retreat.
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Tripoli, now Lebanon’s second largest city,
faced its share of drama through the ages.
Inhabited since the 14th century BC, it
was ruled sequentially by the Persians, Alexander the
Great’s successors, the Romans, Mamluk Muslims, and
Turkish Ottomans. As a result, the city is filled with history, including
mosques, Turkish baths, a crusader castle, and
restored souqs (traditional market places).
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What to see and do in North Lebanon: |
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See Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli,
and search for unique traditional crafts in its labyrinthine
souqs.
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Visit the birthplace and tomb of Lebanon’s
revered mystic poet and artist, Khalil Gibran, in the
picturesque town of Bcharre, and walk through this
traditional, red-roofed, mountain village overlooking the
Qadisha Valley.
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Hike along a rippling river through the lush,
cool Qadisha Valley to visit the ancient rock-cut
monasteries
clinging precipitously to the steep, rocky cliffs.
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Marvel at the size and majesty of Lebanon’s
1,000-year-old Cedar trees at the Arz
Ar Rab (near Bcharre) or the Tannourine Reserve. |
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Climb Lebanon’s tallest mountain, Qornet
es-Sawda (3,090m), and take to the slopes at the
country’s highest ski resort, The
Cedars.
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Grab a boat to Palm Islands Nature Reserve
to watch birds (some 300 species during migratory seasons),
endangered sea turtles, and other wildlife.
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Go caving or rappel deep into a rocky
sinkhole in the mountains near
Tannourine, Laqlouq, and Aqoura.
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Explore the dense forests and spectacular
scenery and wildlife in the remote Akkar region on a
multi-day hike.
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