Touristic route rural Jbeil Batroun: Kfifane Douq Haqel...

Welcome to the touristic route of rural Jbeil and Batroun. Discover majestic scenery in a land of small towns, villages and hamlets with impressive historical monuments. Along this route, there are archeological, religious, natural, cultural and artistic treasures. This rural route aims to contribute to the growth, the development and revival of the area. We thank you for visiting the area and contributing to its development. We wish you a pleasant journey. This text presents a route around rural Jbeil and Batroun. Different types of tourism enrich this area (ecotourism, cultural, religious…). The practical information will help you organize trips around these localities according to your interests and time. You can visit the entire route in one journey of half day or take as much as a week to enjoy the whole region. We guarantee that you will carry away a multitude of unique impressions and images. This route aims to create economic opportunities in rural Jbeil & Batroun through responsible tourism:

- Promoting the area as a tourist destination.
- Providing different ways to enjoy rural and natural areas, and the richness of quaint villages and towns.
- Exposing Lebanese to their cultural heritage and involving them in the development of the rural areas.
- Promoting, improving and engaging rural women to provide services in response to the needs of tourists.

General history and information
This area is rich in archeological sites, landscapes and holy pilgrimage centers. This area knew civilization since the Stone Age when man inhabited its land a million years ago. We can still find ruins left by different periods and civilizations: Phoenicians, Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Persians, Hellenes, Seleucids, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks and Ottomans. In the highlands, pine and cedar forests stand out in their full majesty. Arts and handicrafts (such as: sculptures, needlework, sewing, knitting, embroidery, pottery) still thrive in a number of villages. There is also a variety of agricultural produce: figs, grapes, olives, flowers vegetables, etc. and its related agro-food products: debs, olive oil, soap, all types of jam, etc.

How to plan your trip
You can plan your trip by destination, theme or timeframe. We recommend that you organize your trip using this brochure for the whole Rural Route or a local guide from the villages. Local guides have been trained in cultural heritage, tour guiding and hospitality skills. In every village, there is an information spot where you can obtain help to organize an integrated and successful trip. The local guides will help identify the places to visit, advice on room and board, organize access to the sites and any other needed services.
Guides have technical cards in Arabic, French and English that summarize general and historical information about each village, the sites, local products, small businesses, rural activities and other useful information.

Abbreviations
E= English F=French
S=Spanish I=Italian

General guides
Caroline Daher: + 961 70 110 751
Dolly Srour: + 961 3 345 371
Mountaha Yousef: + 961 70 974 608
Nelly Abboud: + 961 3 584 244
Tour Guide Syndicate: + 961 1 387 045 / + 961 3 636 162

Main contact
Centre d’Accueil et d’Indormation Touristique
UNESCO Square, Jbeil- Byblos
Tel : +961 9 543 100/1 ; +961 3 079 905

Useful numbers
Red Cross: 140 / Police: 112 / Telephone informartion: 1515

Transportation services
Issa transport (Maad- Jbeil): 03/ 212 099
Byblos Taxi (Jbeil): 09/949 494
Yousef Yousef ( Smar Jbeil): 70/ 608 922

----------“RURAL ROUTES” - Between Jbeil & Batroun----------

---------- Gharzouz ----------

Caza:Batroun
Distance from Beirut: 49-53 Km
Altitude 250-450m
Access: Jbeil-Baachta- Gharzouz (2km from Monsef)

Gharzouz follows the urban pattern of old Lebanese villages with agglomerations and shops concentrated around a square. It is characterized by its stone constructions such as the bakeries and the gypsy old stoves.

- Sites to visit:
Old gypsy stove, Old “Yatoun”
Al Arba‘en Chahid Monastery (Orthodox Convent of the 40 Martyrs): 1600 AD with picnic area.
Saydet El Niyah Church (Our Lady of Niyah, Orthodox Church): c. 1500AD.
Contact Mr. Samir Chhab (09/ 790 779)
Mar Elias Church (St Elie, Orthodox Church)
Old village bakery (private monument)

- Food and beverage:
Mirna’s Snack” (Manakish-sandwiches) (03/ 374 866), Mrs. Mirna Saade: handicrafts; jam &“kabis” pickles products
Snack Abou Abdo, family gathering (03/ 374 866)

- Lodgings:
Communauté catholique des béatitudes, Eglise Marie Reine de la Paix. 6 dorms (42 beds); Contact : Father Joseph Karam : (09/ 790 820 ; 09/ 790 821); Email : bealiban@dm.net.lb; http://www.bealiban.com/

- Rural activities:
Olive harvest, Olive Oil and soap production: Mrs. Nariman Harb (03/ 253 738): (E.)

- Information spots & Local guides& key to access: Mrs. Lody, Claude and Grace Doumit (03/ 524 469): (E. F.) Rest place, home coffee and pastries, handicrafts (crochet)

---------- Maad ----------

Caza: Jbeil
Distance from Beirut: 52-57 Km
Altitude 400-550m
Access:Jbeil-Baachta-Jeddayel- El Monsef-Chikhan-Maad

‘Maad’ comes from the Phoenician word meaning “the meeting place.” It is distinguished by its old churches and vestiges from the Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader eras. St. Rafka lived in Maad 7 years (1864-1871).

-Sites to visit:
Mar Charbel Church (St Charbel): 12th century; Byzantine style with medieval frescos and wall paintings.
Mar Abda monastery (09/ 750 132): 1788 A.D
Ste. Rafqa shrine: where Ste Rafka used to pray
Old village school: School established by Ste. Rafka.
Old Lebanese house with frescos: Mrs Naouma Hajj (09/ 750 063 - 09/ 750 001)
Residence of Tony Hanna (Famous Lebanese singer) (03-630150): snail farm and gardens
Mar Giryes Church: 1961 A.D.
Mar Abda El Horsh Church (St Abdon of El Horsh): in ruins
Marte Elizabeth Church (Byzantine): in ruins
Mar Yousef monastery: (1986 A.D)

- Rural activities:
Flower plantation: Mr Pierre Elias Nassar (03/ 469 068): visits may be organized to the flower plantation
Horseback riding Club
Summer activities: sports festivals, entertainment festivals, poetry evenings…
Trekking to the river in the valley

- Food and beverage:
Snack El Day’a ( Manakish- pizza) : (09/ 750 142)

- Lodgings:
Beit El Kahen "La Maison du Prêtre" ; 22 rooms : single, double, triples and quadruples (65 persons) Contact : Father Toufic Abi Hadir (09/ 750 370) Email: bravotoufic@hotmail.com
Camping and Picnic areas (oak trees sitting area and pine trees area)

- Information spots & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs. Renee Habib (09/ 750 142): (F. little E.), local homemade food service; toilet facility
Ms. Mountaha Yousef (70/ 974 608): (F. E.)
Mrs. Ghalieh Issa (09/ 750 139): (F. little E)
Mrs. Naouma Hajj (09/ 750 001; 03/ 250 063): (F. S. little E.)

- Useful information:
Gaz station: 09/ 750 148

---------- Ghalboun ----------

Caza: Jbeil
Distance from Beirut: 52-63 Km
Altitude: 450-650m
Access: Amchit – Hbalin- Chamat –Ghalboun or Rihana-Gharzouz-Maad

Old infrastructure of Lebanese rural village characterized by agglomerations of medieval house clusters with narrow twisting paths between the houses and free spaces for agriculture

- Sites to visit:
Tombs from 1500 BC carved in the rock and made of clay.
Historical rock grotto in the rock with remains of a very old occupation
Saydet el Hosh Church (Our lady of Al Hoch)
Mar Phocas Church (St Phocas) ruins of a big byzantine convent build on the remains of a Phoenician temple.
Mar Jiryes Church (St Georges): 18th century
Medieval houses in ruins
Al Ain

- Food and beverage:
Snack Georges (Manakish- sandwiches): (03/ 912 591)

- Lodgings:
Rural Ghalboun Motel, Belmont motel: Ibrahim Sleiman (09/ 735 027); 10 Rooms (25$/room/night)

- Information spots & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs. Nadia Issa Karam (03/ 938 464): (F.); liquor and wine; mini – market
Mrs. Nada Sleiman (03/ 507 488): (F.); arak; cognac; vinegar; jam; kishik; sumac

----------- Bejjeh ----------

Caza: Jbeil
Distance from Beirut: 54- 67Km
Altitude: 500-750m
Access: Jbeil- Amchit- Bejje or Beshta-Jedaayel-Gharzouz-Maad-Bejje

The town name comes from the Syriac language, meaning “gardens” “Baggé” and “Bagga” notice an area rich in water, or from “Paggé” referring to figs. Bejjeh is known for a number of sarcophagi and some ancient wells left of a monastery built on a Phoenician temple ruins.

- Sites to visit:
Saydet El Mazra’a (Our Lady of the Farm), 1000 A.D.
Saydet El Najat Church (Our Lady of the delivery): 1877 A.D.
Mar Elias Church (St. Elie)
Saydet Harsha Church (Our Lady of Harsha): surrounded by oak trees
Mar Abda Church (St Abdon): in ruins
Mar Saba Church (St Saba): in ruins.
Mar Sarkis wa Bakhos Church (Sts Serge and Bacchus): an unusually large structure with no internal supporting pillars and arches.
Ste. Theresa Church: From the front yard, there are spectacular views of the villages of Bejje (on the right) and Beit Habbaq, Aabaydat, and Ramout (on the left).
Mar Youssef Church (St Joseph): a spectacular scene of green hills, red brick roof houses and the dark blue sea.
Mar Elsiha’ Church
Chmeis Al Qala’ Cave: Tradition says that a fortress was built here.
Al A’raj Cave: Tradition says that Christians hid in the caves during the persecutions.
“Oasis des statues”: Studio and house of famous Lebanese sculptor Halim El Hajj

- Rural activities:
Visit to an oil press: Ms. Colette Hayeck (03/ 736 627): (F. little E.)
Discover how Arak is made; olive picking; handicrafts: Mrs. Hala ElHage (03/ 184 690; 09/ 770 358): (F. E.)

- Food and beverage:
Saj & Manakish: (03/ 296 157; 09/ 770 014)

- Lodgings:
Picnic & Camping area (next to Saydet el Mazraa) with toilet facility: authorization from Father Estefan Jabr
(09/ 770 571)

- Information spots & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs Benoitte Saaibe (03/ 296 157; 09/ 770 014): (F.); local food (Saj), jam, olive; info about wild herbs
Mrs. Rola Dib Saouma El Hajj (03/ 982 275): (F. E.), farm, arak, internet, phone
Mrs. Zahar Saaibe (09/ 770 019): (F.); info about the useful wild herbs; jam; mini – market and internet network, Email: boulos_souaiby@hotmail.com
Mrs Anisa Khalifeh (09/ 770 309): (F. E.); jam (apple, figs, oranges-bousfer-, apricots), “Mouneh”, green beans
Mrs Marie Abi Akl (09/ 770 400): (F. E.)

- Useful information:
Civil Defense Center (fire station, first aid) Tel: 125; Contact: Mr Kalim Al Hajj (03/ 982 275)

---------- El kherbe-Haqel ----------

Caza: Jbeil
Distance from Beirut: 54- 70Km
Altitude: 670-900m
Access: Jbeil- Amchit- Jbalin-Abaydat-Haqel

Haqel was a part of the seabed between 60-100 million years ago. It is known for its limestone formation containing fossilized fish, crustaceans, flora and fauna specimens.

- Sites to visit:
Mar Sassine Church (St Sisinius) with one of the biggest old oak trees in Lebanon.
Saydet Haqel Church (Our Lady of Haqel)
Mar Jiryes Church (St Georges): in Kherbe. Contact Mrs Jeanette Habib (09/ 770 008)
Mar Youhanna Church (St Jean): in Kherbe, with an old metal bar used as a bell for the church.
The public school of Haqel: in front of Mar Sassine church, abandoned.
Haqel Museum: Mr. Rizkallah Nohra (03/ 708 287): First natural history museum and purchase of marine fossils, since 1991; Email: expohakel@hotmail.com
Haklany fish fossils (09/ 770 428; 03/ 604 969): fish fossils and local books for sale.

- Rural activities:
Extraction of fossils in the quarry with tools rental: Mrs. Linda Nohra Haklany (03/ 604 969): (F.)

- Food and beverage:
Snack Rouhana (Saj-manakishs): (09/ 770 559)
Snack Moni (Saj-manakishs-sandwishes): (09/ 770 052)

- Information spots & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs Elham Achkouty (09/ 770 776)
Mrs Layla Tarabay (09/ 696 557)

---------- Mayfouk ----------

Caza: Jbeil
Distance from Beirut: 64- 70Km
Altitude 800-1250m
Access: Jbeil-Baachta- Gharzouz-Bejje-Mayfouk or Jbeil-Amshit-Rachana-Smar Jbeil- Kfifane-Douk-Mayfouk

Mayfouk is derived from the Syriac language, meaning “water spring”, rich in oak & pine woods

- Sites to visit:
Saydet Ilige Monastery (Our Lady of Ilige): Patriarchal seat from 1120 to 1440 A.D.
Saydet Mayfouk Monastery (Our lady of Mayfouk) (09-765506): 1746 A.D., with historical icon of the Virgin Mary (1100 A.D)
Mar Sarkis wa Bakhos Monastery (Sts Serge and Bacchus)
Old Mill
“El Qattara”, Mar Challita Monastery (St Artemius): 1848 A.D., the second house dedicated to Mary of Nazareth in the world. Contact Mr Georges Rkaidy (03/431 792)
Mar Antonios Monastery (St Anthony)
Mar Charbel Hermitage (St Charbel): Cave for spiritual meditation.
Saydet El Wardiyah Church (Our Lady of the Roses)
Mar Saba church (St Roch): on the way to Mar Jeryes Monastery
Mar Jiryes Monastery (St Georges):
Mart Moura Church (Ste. Maure): (c. 1800 A.D.)
St Elie Chapel
Obeid Cave
The Lebanese Traditional House: Traditional tools collection of Mrs Marie Khalifé (03/ 549 199)

- Rural activities:
Summer Honey Festival
Procession of Virgin Mary from the Convent of Saydet Mayfouk to the Church of Saydet Illige (14th of August)
Holy walk to the hill of the cross on 13th of September and on Easter Friday

- Food and beverage:
Restaurant Nabeh el Joz, Mrs Micheline Hashach (09/ 765 766; 70/ 368 402): (F.E.) Typical Lebanese lunch, “Home” Coffee, Arak production; playground for children, toilet facility
Snack Robert El Hage (Saj-manakishs-sandwishes): (03/ 545 564)
Qasr El Asl restaurant, (typical Lebanese lunch): (09/ 765 456; 03/ 626 623)
-Information spots & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs. Layla Hashach (09/ 765 063): (F.); Souvenir shop of religious items; rest place and toilet facility

- Useful information:
Dispensary: 09/ 765 500

---------- Douq ----------

Caza: Batroun
Distance from Beirut: 59- 70Km
Altitude: 810-1250m
Access: Jbeil- Amchit-Rachana-Kfifane- Toula-Douk

Douq is derived from the Syriac “dawqa” meaning “the view” due to the beautiful view from the village of the sea

- Sites to visit:
Mar Mikhael Church (St Michael): Contact Mrs. Katia Touma (06/ 530 032)
Mazar El Saydeh (Shrine of Virgin Mary)

- Rural activities:
Visit to the beehives oak honey tasting: Al Asmar honey (06/ 530 027)

- Food and beverage:
Saj Toni Tanios, (Manakishs): (03/ 506 619)

- Lodging:
“Beit El Ouakf”: Rooms can welcome groups with sleeping bags. Contact: Father Elie Saadé (03/ 867 386)

- Information spots (Technical Note Cards A. F. E.) & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs. Caroline Asmar Tanios (06/ 530 027): (F. E.); Honey production and sales; Home coffee and honey based homemade dessert. Rest place with toilet facility

---------- Kfifane ----------

Caza: Batroun
Distance from Beirut: 53- 108 km
Altitude: 400-650 m
Access: Batroun-Ajdabra-‘Ibrin-Bajderfel-Kfifane or Jbeil-Mayfouk-Douk-Toula-Daraya-Kfifane

Kfifane is derived from the Syriac word meaning “the small domed place”, in reference to its old structures, wells and sarcophagi carved into rocks.

- Sites to visit:
Mar Kobriyanos wa Youstina Monastery (Sts. Cyprian and Justine):
(Tel: 06/ 720 304/5, Fax: 06/ 720 306) .Established before the 7th Century, it becomes the patriarchal seat after Yanouh in 1230 A.D. It holds St. Hardini’s Tomb, brother Estephan’s tomb, the Museum of St Hardini tools, souvenir shop.
Saydet Al Ramat Church (Our Lady of the Grapes): Crusader period
Saydet El Z’our (Our lady of Z’our)
Mar Abda Church (St Abdon): 16th century
Old wells and pits carved into the rock
Old tombs carved in the rock
Saydet El Hosh Church (Our Lady of El Hosh)
Mar Roukoz Church: 1877 A.D.
Saydet El Nasr Monastery (Our Lady of Victory Monastery): 1837 A.D.

- Food and beverage:
Kfifane Rest house: (03/ 650 454)
Al Hilm Restaurant: (06/ 580 245; 580 550)
"Al Deir" Restaurant: (03/ 864 666)
El Patio Restaurant: (06/ 720 230; 03/ 869 197)
Al Jisr restaurant: (06/ 720 677; 70/ 990 301)
Al Khayma restaurant: (03/ 559 783)
Magharat El Wadi restaurant: (03/ 888 218)
Al Asrar restaurant: (03/ 407 341)
Abou Elie restaurant: (03/ 729 305)

- Lodgings:
Al Hilm Hotel (06/ 580 245; 06/ 580 550): 3 suites-one room + one salon- 70$/room/night
Rafqa center lodging (03/ 447 070; 06/ 741 574): the center is under construction.
“Maison de priere”: Contact Sr Ermance Tohme (06/ 720 301): Rooms rental, camping style in sleeping bags, kitchen available (6000LL/night /person)

- Useful information:
Civil defense: 06/ 720 825

---------- Smar Jbeil ----------

Caza: Batroun
Distance from Beirut: 53-96 Km
Altitude: 300-450 m
Access: Batroun-Edde-Smar Jbeil (3 Km from Kfifane) or Takhoum-Rachana-Smar Jbeil

Smar Jbeil is derived from the Phoenician language meaning “the guardian of Jbeil”. It has around 367wells.

- Sites to visit:
Citadel of SmarJbeil (Crusader castle): 12th century
Mar Nohra Church (St Lucius Crusader Church): 13th century; the burial place of the Lebanese Saint Mar Nohra
Ste. Mary Church (Al SaydehChurch): 6th century
Marte Takla (Sainte Thècle) Church: dedicated to Mart Takla, the sister of Mar Nohra
Al Zwar Church: from early Christian era
Al Saydet Church: in ruins

- Rural activities:
The Smar Jbeil Citadel Festival in collaboration with the Ministry of tourism: 3 days summer festival with activities for children, horses, “seif and ters”, Dancing and singing shows (Dabke), “Sahra Baalbakieh”.
The Cross celebration, evening celebrations with a torch-lit procession (13th- 14th of September)
Olive picking organized by the local guides of Smar Jbeil
Local arts & crafts: Mrs Emilie Bassil (06/ 720 025): (F.) Boutique des trios Belles; open during week end and summer only.

- Food and beverage:
Al Yatoun restaurant: Mrs Renee Dick (03/ 270 246; 03/ 890 033; 06/ 944 327; 03/ 869 197): (F.E.); Lebanese lunch (Play ground, Person available for children upon request, 10 – 20 children), 6$ for children and 13$ for adults (special prices for groups of more than 25 person). 3 Chalets for rent (4pers/ chalet + food)
Al Talleh restaurant (Hills Garden, weddings and events): (06/ 720 331; 03/ 643 390; 03/ 506 888)
Samarna restaurant: (03/ 874 633), facing the church with a small play ground for the children.
Al Patio restaurant: (06/720 230; 03/ 869 197)
Al Jneineh restaurant: (03/ 795 021)
-Information spots (Technical Note Cards A. F. E.) & Local guides & key to access:
Mrs. Jeanne-Claude Toubia Dargham (03/ 901 883; 71/100 835): (F. E.): Mini- Market; sitting area and home coffee serving, chocolate decoration, jam production; olive picking
Mrs Fadia Youssef (06/ 720 191; 70/ 608 922): (F.); Almonds paste, sweets, olive picking.
Mrs. Malvina Abi Nader (03/ 465 606): (F.); Home coffee serving; liquor production
Mrs Ghada Sarkis (06/ 720 324; 03/ 841 998): (F.); Olive picking, homemade products like soap, jam, tomato, “hosrom”, almond paste, sweets.
Ms. Lena Toubia (06/ 721 103): (F.E.); Olive picking; agro foods: herbs, lavender, olive oil, olives, liquor, vinegar.
Mrs Federica Piazza (03/ 768 207): (F. E. I.)

- Useful information:
Gaz station: 06/ 720 026
Dispensary of the Red Cross

---------- Rachana ----------

Caza: Batroun
Distance from Beirut: 58-119 Km (3 Km from Kfifane)
Altitude: 300-450 m
Access: Batroun-Edde-Smar Jbeil or Takhoum-Rachana-SmarJbeil

Rachana is derived from the Phoenician language, meaning “the small peak”. Rachana’s name gained significance in the field of arts due to the famous Basbous sculptors.

- Sites to visit:
Alfred Basbous Museum and exhibition: (06/ 720 903)
Michel Basbous atelier and exhibition: (06/ 720 310)
Youssef Basbous atelier and exhibition; workshop of his son Samir Basbous: (06/ 721 165; 03/ 899 165)
Mar Maroun Church (St Maron): 1st church of St Maron Al Nasek in the area.
“Beit El Akhaouiyeh” in memory of Alain Khalifeh: (under construction), priests’ house and public library

- Rural activities:
Open-Air museum: An Annual International Sculpture Exhibition used to be held every August since 1994 to 2005.As a result of this active sculpture project; Rachana was named the “International Capital of open Air sculpture” by UNESCO.
Traditional dinner: On the second Saturday of the month of August, in the playground of the village.

- Food and beverage:
L’Olivier snack ( saj- manakish): (06/ 720 339), capacity 50 persons, rental of settings; playground for children; Mini—Market
Rachana Palace restaurant: (06/ 720 002; 03/ 705 661)
Al Talleh restaurant, Mr. Samir Khalifeh: (06/ 720 331)
El Hilm restaurant (06/ 580 550; 03/ 556 863): (small playground for children)

- Lodgings:
Motel Rachana palace: (06/ 720 002; 03/ 705 661)

- Information spots (Technical Note Cards A. F. E.) & Local guides & key to access:
Ms Wadad Chahine (06 /720 339): (F. E.); olive picking

---------- Jisr El Madfoun-Thoum ----------

Caza Batroun
Distance from Beirut: 120-125Km
Altitude: 0-50m
Access: Batroun- Madfoun

A battle between crusaders and Mamlouks took place in this village.

- Sites to visit:
Roman bridge over the Madfoun river valley (restored under Fakhr Eldine)
Mar Estephan Church (St Stephan) Maronite: 1800 A.D. Contact Mrs. Solange Abi Hanna (06/ 720 482)
Mar Youhanna Church (St John) Maronite: 1900 A.D., only accessible on foot

- Food and beverage:
Wild Picnic areas
Snack Berzkan (Mankish-saj): (06 / 720 224)
El Jisr restaurant: (06/ 720 677; 70/ 990 301)

- Lodgings
A hotel is under construction in Berzkan
Beach resorts on the coast: Bonita Bay (06/ 744 844); White beach (06/ 742 505)
Pearl beach (06/ 743 941); Hotel Bellaguna (03/ 713 731)

- Information spots & Local guides
Mrs Irene Abi Saab (06/ 721 110; 03/ 927 552): (F. E.); Chocolate decoration[/u]