Mount Lebanon: Forests, Cultural Heritage and Village Traditions

In El-Werhaniyeh, forest landscapes, springs and a named hiking trail come together. Forests cover 35% of the village’s area. These 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.

Forest, Water and Trails

El-Werhaniyeh also has abundant water resources and freshwater springs. One part of the village is called “El-Ayoun” (“The Eyes”) because of its many springs. The name refers to a feature of the place and also provides a local point of reference.

The Werhaniyeh-Freidis-Barouk Forest Trail starts in El-Werhaniyeh and is used by hikers and nature enthusiasts. If you are planning a hike, check the trail’s current condition in advance.

Architecture and Historic Sites

Beiteddine Palace is considered an outstanding example of the architectural revival of the 19th century in Mount Lebanon. Traditional Lebanese architecture is preserved in El-Werhaniyeh. The Assaf Museum in El-Werhaniyeh is officially recognized as a national museum.

Maasser Beit el-Din is also known as Ain El-Maasser. Among the village’s historic attractions is a 19th-century silk factory. Ancient olive presses can be found on Ram Hill. The two sites highlight different aspects: silk production and olive processing.

Churches and Annual Festivals

The Feast of Saint Elias, the village’s patron saint, is celebrated annually in Maasser Beit el-Din. It includes a solemn Mass at 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 art festival.

The churches in Majdel Maoush also reflect different historical connections: the Church of Our Lady was built in 1609 by Patriarch Jean Makhlouf. The old Church of Saint George was built by Patriarch Douaihy. Barouk-Freidis hosts the annual Apple Day Festival in late September. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the specific event dates in advance.

Mount Lebanon in a Wider Context

From west to east, Lebanon has four main geographical regions: the coastal plain, the Mount Lebanon range, the Bekaa Valley and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. They differ in topography and climate. Mount Lebanon Governorate is also home to the Shabrouh Dam, which holds 8 million cubic metres of water.

In Lebanon, Mzaar Ski Resort has ski runs for different ability levels and offers skiing and snowboarding. Snow and lift operations depend on the season and conditions. This adds a clearly seasonal winter-sports dimension to the broader destination of Lebanon, alongside Mount Lebanon’s nature and cultural heritage.

This can help you decide what kind of trip you want before narrowing down your search.

Discover more destinations: El Metn, Jbeil, Deir Chamra, Zouk Mosbeh, Mechane, Chbaniye, Mazraat Kfardibiane, Harissa, Jbeil, Dbaiye, Bikfaya, Nakkashe, Fatqa, Zouk Mikael.

Go to the main travel overview: Lebanon.