Discovering Jbeil: Culture and nature in the broader destination of Mount Lebanon

When looking for a hotel in Jbeil, the broader destination of Mount Lebanon can also shape your travel plans. The region’s themes range from forest and spring landscapes to architectural history and church festivals. The following places represent different highlights of Mount Lebanon. So consider whether nature, historic buildings or a festival will be the main focus of your trip.

Forests, water and village culture

In the broader destination of Mount Lebanon, forests cover 35 percent of the area of the village 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, pines and other tree species.

El-Werhaniyeh has abundant water resources and freshwater springs. One part of the village is called El-Ayoun, meaning “The Eyes,” because of its many springs. The Werhaniyeh-Freidis-Barouk Forest Trail starts in El-Werhaniyeh and is used by hikers and nature enthusiasts. If you plan to include the trail in your itinerary, check current trail conditions in advance. Traditional Lebanese architecture is also preserved in the village, and the Assaf Museum is officially recognized as a national museum. In Mount Lebanon, El-Werhaniyeh combines freshwater springs with the start of a trail used by hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Architectural history and historic sites

In the broader destination of Mount Lebanon, Beiteddine Palace is considered an outstanding example of the architectural revival of the 19th century. It offers a different focus from the forest and spring landscape of El-Werhaniyeh: here, architectural history takes center stage.

Maasser Beit el-Din is also known as Ain El-Maasser. Among the village’s attractions are a historic 19th-century silk factory and ancient olive presses on Ram Hill.

In Majdel Maoush, the Church of Our Lady was built in 1609 by Patriarch Jean Makhlouf. The village’s old St. George’s Church was built by Patriarch Douaihy.

Festivals in Mount Lebanon

The Feast of Saint Elias, the patron saint of the village, is celebrated annually in Maasser Beit el-Din. It includes a solemn Mass in the village church, a communal dinner and an exhibition. In Majdel Maoush, the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated annually with a solemn Mass and an arts festival. The Apple Day Festival is held annually in Barouk-Freidis at the end of September.

The events have different focuses: the Feast of Saint Elias brings together a Mass, a communal dinner and an exhibition; the festival in Majdel Maoush combines a Mass and an arts festival, while the Apple Day Festival has its own place in the annual calendar. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the current dates for your chosen event in advance.

Another landscape highlight

The Shabrouh Dam in the Mount Lebanon Governorate has a capacity of 8 million cubic meters.

Discover more destinations: Afqa, El Metn.

View the broader travel guide: Mount Lebanon.