Discover Jbeil: Ghalboun and Mount Lebanon

Ghalboun has been declared an outstanding tourist and ecological destination. When looking for a holiday rental in Jbeil, this raises the question of what kind of trip you want: should Ghalboun, with its tourist and ecological focus, be the main attraction, or would you also like to include the landscapes, culture and festivals of the wider Mount Lebanon region? This distinction keeps the local character separate from the broader regional context. You can then tailor your search to the themes you want to shape your trip.

Forests and water in Mount Lebanon

In the wider destination of Mount Lebanon, forests cover 35 percent of the area of El-Werhaniyeh. They include hundreds of centuries-old oak trees, some of which are over 200 years old, as well as mulberry trees, hawthorns, pine trees and other species. The forest coverage gives an idea of its extent, while the ancient oaks and variety of tree species also convey a sense of its composition.

El-Werhaniyeh also has abundant water resources and freshwater springs. One district is called El-Ayoun, meaning “The Eyes”—a name that refers to its many springs. The Werhaniyeh-Freidis-Barouk Forest Trail also begins in El-Werhaniyeh and is used by hikers and nature enthusiasts. If you are planning a hike, check the current trail conditions beforehand.

Another regional landmark is the Shabrouh Dam. It is located in the Mount Lebanon Governorate and holds 8 million cubic meters of water. In Mount Lebanon, forested areas and springs thus sit alongside a large-scale water facility—different aspects of a landscape that can be understood both through its vegetation and its water resources.

Cultural history and festivals in Mount Lebanon

The cultural attractions of Mount Lebanon also have a range of different focuses. Traditional Lebanese architecture is preserved in El-Werhaniyeh, and the Assaf Museum there is officially recognized as a national museum. Beiteddine Palace is considered an outstanding example of the architectural revival of the 19th century in Mount Lebanon. In Maasser Beit el-Din, also known as Ain El-Maasser, a historic 19th-century silk factory is one of the attractions. Ancient olive presses can be found on Ram Hill. The range therefore extends from preserved architecture and museum culture to historical traces of silk production and olive processing.

Several places are also marked by festivals held annually. In Maasser Beit el-Din, the feast of Saint Elias, the village’s patron saint, is celebrated. It includes a solemn mass in the village church, a shared dinner and an exhibition. In Majdel Maoush, the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated each year with a solemn mass and an arts festival. The Church of Our Lady there was built in 1609 by Patriarch Jean Makhlouf; the old Church of Saint George was built by Patriarch Douaihy. In Barouk-Freidis, the Apple Day Festival takes place every year in late September. If you want to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the date for the year you wish to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Afqa, El Metn.

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