Altitude:
Hakel 700 m. – Kharbeh 750 m.
Distance from district: Hakel 17 km – Kharbeh
22 km
Distance from capital: Hakel 54 km – Kharbeh
59 km
Population: Hakel 700 – Kharbeh 950
In Syriac and Aramaic the name means field (hakl).
In Arabic it means share and portion.
Historical overview
Monuments found in Hakel, namely sarcophagi and old
castle remains, indicate that the town was populated
long time ago. Fossils of fish, however, are estimated
to be eighty million to a hundred million years old.
They started being discovered since the days of King
Louis IX during the Crusades. Such discoveries continued
ever since. There are several exhibitions of fish
fossils, among those: Haklani's Exhibit for Fish fossils,
and Hakil's Exhibit.
Etymology,
Kharbeh
In Aramaic the name means destruction and poverty.
Historical
overview
Statistics in the year 1862 indicate that Kharbeh
encompasses only one family –"Habib"-
that migrated from Hakel around 40 years ago. After
that the town welcomed the Ghaleb family and some
others. It counts today 91 homes
Sites
to visit
In Hakel:
Saydet El Lawzeh church: It dates back to the second
half of the first millennium. Its name comes from
an almond tree that stood beside the church to the
south. St. Sassine church: It was built in honor of
bishop Sassine in the year 1855, and is sought by
believers for cures from warts. St. Saba's church
and convent: it is situated on one of Hakel's hills
and it overlooks the neighboring areas.
In Kharbeh:
St. George parish church. St. John the Baptist's church:
It is situated upon a small hill between Bejjeh and
Kharbeh, near an old temple dating back to the Christian
times. It contains sarcophagi and destroyed mosaic
artworks. St. Teresa's Chapel.
How to
spend your time
In Hakel:
Visit the fossilized fish museums and the natural
sites.
Taste the healthy Hakel spring water.
Taste its fruits and vegetables, especially the onions.
Stock up on oil, olives and soap.
Take up the hobby of hunting only during the appropriate
seasons, especially concerning quails and pheasants.
Participate in the local celebrations held on St.
Sassine's day on September 15, Our Lady of Hakil's
day on August 14, and taste the hrisse dish.
In Kharbeh:
Go hunting and walking. Participate in the St. George
celebrations on April 23.
Hakel
is known for Its celebrities, among them: The historian Ibrahim
Al-Haklani and the ambassador Philip Habib. Its spring
water.
Institutions
In Hakel, and in Kharbeh: Mayor councils – Sports
clubs.
HJOULA
– BESHTLEIDA
Altitude:
Hjoula 950 m. – Beshtleida 900 m.
Distance from district: Hjoula 39 km – Beshtleida
10 km
Distance from capital: Hjoula 70 km – Beshtleida
59 km
Population: Hjoula 3600 – Beshtleida 1178
How to
reach them?
Jbeil – Hboub – Annaya – St. Charbel
– Beshtleida – Hjoula
Jbeil – Edde – Kfarmshoun – Hjoula
– Beshtleida
Etymology:
Hjoula
In Syriac it means wanderer or the wandering salesman.
It could also mean enveloping something or a round
or circular object.
Historical
overview
Fish fossils dating back to five millions years ago
or to the four ices waves are found in Hjoula, just
as in Hakel. Coins dating back to the Roman era were
also found in the region, in addition to silver coins
from the Byzantine era, and copper coins with Kufi
Arabic writings. Hjoula used to be the residence of
the Maronite Patriarchate around year 1365. Some historical
references point to the existence of six churches
in Hjoula without mention of their names or locations.
There is also a pond in Hjoula with an old statue
of two people surrounded by sheep.
Etymology:
Beshtleida
In Syriac, Betshet Yalde means the beautiful house,
the farming house or the greenhouse. In Arabic, it
means separate homes.
Historical
overview
The origin Beshtleida goes back to the early 16th
century.
Sites
to visit:
In Hjoula:
Our Lady of Hjoula church: According to historians,
the church was built before the crusades, but it is
now ruined with only a few walls left, and to reach
it you need to walk for around 25 minutes. That very
church is probably the one where Patriarch Gabriel
used to pray. There are also two mosques in Hjoula:
The mosque of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib, and the mosque
of Prophet Ismail.
In Beshtleida:
Our Lady of Assistance – Lower Fidar: Its stones
and water well show that it is an old church. The
ruins of St George Church – Upper Fidar: it
is an old church with only half of its walls left.
How to
spend your day:
In Hjoula:
Visit the many archeological sites: Hjoula Pond,
the fish fossils, and the religious monuments.
In Beshtleida:
Take a walk in nature.
Hjoula
is known for Its Lebanese tobacco produce. Its
grains and grapes produce.
Beshtleida
is known for Its mild weather, in spite of its
foggy climate all year long
Institutions
In Hjoula:
Mayor Council – two social institutions: Youth
of Hjoula Charity Association, and Hjoula's Agricultural
Cooperative. In Beshtleida: Municipal Council - Mayor Council.
HBALIN
– GHORFIN
Altitude:
Hbalin 440 m. – Ghorfin 275 m.
Distance from district: Hbalin 7 km – Ghorfin
5 km Distance from capital: Hbalin 44 km – Ghorfin
45 km Population: Hbalin 550 – Ghorfin 217
How to
reach it? Jbeil – Amchit – Ghorfin – Hbalin
Etymology,
Hbalin
In the Semitic language the name means to tie and
link. It could also mean corruption, sin, and pain;
or mountain makers. In Hebrew and Phoenician, Hbalin
means allies or alliance.
Historical
overview
It dates back to year 1519 at most. Bjerrin is also
linked to Hbalin, and is said to have been deserted
during World War I.
Etymology,
Ghorfin
In Syriac the name means torrent and flood. It could
also mean eroded mountain due to torrents.
Historical
overview:
There are Phoenician and Roman artifacts in Ghorfin,
including sarcophagi.
Sites
to visit
In Hbalin:
Our Lady of Deliverance parish church: It is situated
downtown and was built around year 1840. Saydet El
Hara church: Can only be reached on foot. St. Sophia
church: Dates back to 1884. St. George church: Situated
south of the town on the right side of the road. St.
Elias church – Bjerrin: The town is half an
hour walk from Hbalin. St. Elias church: It was partly
demolished, and rebuilt by some of the inhabitants
of Hsarat.
In Ghorfin:
St. Stephan parish church: Renowned for holding the
tomb of St. Charbel's father. Sts. Shayna and Rohana
church – Aidamoun: Its construction dates back
to the beginning of the nineteenth century.
How to
spend your time
In Hbalin:
Go hunting amidst the olive gardens. Take photos.
Contemplate the Mediterranean's beach stretched out
before you.
In Ghorfin:
Visit the archeological sarcophagi in Mar shayna's
area. Participate in local celebrations and festivities:
St. Stephan's day on December 27, and St. Shayna's
day on September 14.
Hbalin
and Ghorfin are known for Their excellent olives
and oil. Their traditional and modern oil presses.
Their abundance in sand and rocks for construction.
Institutions In Hbalin: Mayor Council. In Ghorfin: Mayor Council.
LEHFED
Altitude:
1000 m.
Distance from district: 24 km Distance from capital: 62 km Population: around 3250
How to
reach it? Jbeil – Amchit – Obaidat - Lehfed Jbeil – Annaya – Meshmesh – Lehfed
Etymology
In Syriac the name means fear and panic. In Hebrew
it means to be glad, joyful and satisfied, or the
name could refer to Lehfed's location at the foot
of the mountain.
Historical
overview
Monuments and artifacts found in Lehfed highlight
the town's old age: In one of its grottos located
in Sheer El Mrah, siliceous utensils (knives and others)
have been found, and in a grotto in Mar Saba there
are human and animal bones of considerable size. In
the Shammis area as well, were found primitive mortars
and channels dug into the stone dating back to 2000
BC. There are also artifacts from Mar Saba, and the
parish church named after St. Stephan built upon the
ruins of an old tower.
Sites
to visit
Saydet El Marj church (Kallaya convent): It is a part
of an old convent where several bishops resided. Our
Lady's church - St. Saba's convent: The artifacts
found in the convent indicate that it dates back past
the twelfth century. St. Stephan parish church: It
is located on a hill overlooking Lehfed, and was built
over the ruins of a Phoenician temple, during the
Middle Ages replaced by a crusaders' castle. St. Elias
church: It was the patriarch's see, and beside it
stood an ancient oak tree. St. Joab convent: It is
a grotto in "Sheer Al Ammiya" very similar
to the convents of Kadisha Valley. It dates back to
the twelfth century, and a well is dug into the rocks
inside it. "Kamouh Mar Semaan": A shrine
in the form of a stone column that once stood beside
a church that no more exists.
How to
spend your time in Lehfed
Go camping and enjoy outdoor activities. Visit Saint
Stephan's house, and drink from his well. Take part
in the town's festivities and celebrations held on
St. Stephan's day on August 2nd and the Assumption
Day on August 15, and take part in the village's annual
end of summer dinner.
Lehfed
is known for being the hometown of St Stephan.
Its mild and moderate weather. Its strong touristic
activity. Its fine products of apples, grapes, figs
and cherries.
Institutions
Mayor and Municipal Council - Cultural and Sports
Club -Lehfed Charity Association.
MAAD
- AIN KFAA
Altitude:
Maad 525 m. – Ain Kfaa 400 m.
Distance from district: Maad 15 km – Ain Kfaa
9 km Distance from capital: Maad 52 km – Ain Kfaa
53 km Population: Maad 1350 – Ain Kfaa 850
How to
reach them? Jbeil – Baashta – Gharzouz –
Ghbalin – Ain Kfaa
Etymology,
Maad
In Syriac the name means the ordinary, usual and familiar.
In Semitic and Hebrew it means time or appointment.
In Phoenician it means a meeting place.
Historical
overview
Maad played an important role in old times, especially
in pagan times. The biggest indicators are the artifacts
present in Maad's St. Charbel parish church, as well
as the remains of the fortress, and oil presses and
the many stone sarcophagi. In year 1302 AD was held
a meeting of Maronite officers in Maad following their
victory over the Mamluks.
Etymology,
Ain Kafaa
It means ‘The Meeting spring’, due to
a hidden source in its lands, the Wata spring', which
was the meeting point for incoming convoys from Jbeil,
Jounieh and Damascus loaded with goods and heading
north.
Historical
overview
Its old Roman temples and graveyards discovered by
archeologists point to Ain Kafaa's importance. Not
to mention monuments dating back to the Phoenician
era.
Sites
to visit
In Maad:
Mother of God church of the OPUS DEl Association.
St. Charbel the Martyr church, which stands on the
ruins of a pagan temple from the year 300 AD. Inside
it are some of the aforementioned Saint's bones, brought
in from Al Roha, in addition to old inscriptions,
mosaic art and murals in the vault. St. Rafka's church:
where she died in prayer. The Home of the Priest,
St. Theresa, infant Jesus church: built near the ruins
of a demolished church dedicated to St. Elisabeth.
It is a residence for aged bishops and priests.
In Ain
Kfaa: Our Lady of Deliverance church: built upon
the ruins of an old temple. Our Lady of Kattin church:
located inside a grotto on a cliff overlooking Ain
Kafaa. Cedar wood from Jaj was used in its construction.
St. Rohana's parish church: built on the foundation
of an old fortress. St. Simon and St. Abda's church:
an old church that can only be reached on foot.
How to
spend your time
In Maad:
Have a spiritual retreat at the Home of the Priest
Take part in the local festivities: St. Charbel the
Martyr day on September 5.
In Ain
Kfaa:
Enjoy watching its remarkable narrow valley, its caves
and oak forests.
Maad
and Ain Kfaa are both known for their old houses
and steep valleys. Saint Rafqa's park for families
and groups. Their high quality olive, olive oil and
wine produce.
Institutions
In Maad: Mayor Council – Development Committee
– Renaissance Committee- Agricultural cooperative
– Sports club- Nun school-Home of the Priest.
In Ain Kfaa: Mayor Council- Cultural, sports
and social club.
SHAMAT
GHALBOUN
Altitude:
Shamat 460 m. – Ghalboun 450 m.
Distance from district: Shamat 11 km – Ghalboun
15 km Distance from capital: Shamat 48 km – Ghalboun
51 km Population: Shamat 1350 – Ghalboun 2000
How to
reach them?
Jbeil – Amshit – Gharfin – Hbalin
– Shamat - Ghalboun
Etymology,
Shamat
In Hebrew and Phoenician, the name means ruined, abandoned
places, whereas in Syriac, Shamat refers to signs,
or titles.
Historical
overview
Remains of pottery and glassware were found in Shamat,
in addition to remains of sarcophagi, tombs carved
into the rocks, and a large number of wells, columns
and decorated rocks, copper coins and bricks that
witness to the succession of different civilizations
in this town.
Etymology,
Ghalboun
In Aramaic and Syriac the name means the strong. It
could also mean sword, since the mountain chain where
the town is located has the shape of a sword's edge.
In Arabic, the name refers to the Arabic tribe, Taghlob.
Historical
overview
Tombs dating back to 5000 BC were found in Ghalboun.
These contain jars and coffins made from red sand
and pottery. There are old grottos in the Hawsh area,
where ancient man lived, and where household tools
were found
Sites
to visit In Shamat:
St. Takla and St. Stephan's double parish church:
Built in the Byzantine era over the ruins of a pagan
temple, as shows the mosaic art on the floor of the
church. Its columns are built according to the lonian
and Doric design. A crucifix found by Patriarch Shamati
in 1236 during his consecration of the church. The
front steps of the church are basically covers of
sarcophagi, one of which bears the carving of two
sheep heads.
In Ghalboun:
Saydet El Hawch church built over the ruins of an
old convent. St. George parish church: An old church
constructed in the nineteenth century. Archeological
rocks were used in its construction. St. Fawka's archeological
church: It dates back to the Byzantine era, and was
part of a large convent. The latter was demolished
during an attack by the Mamluks.
How to
spend your time In Shamat: Visit historic sites
such as Emir Bashir's residence, and the town's 365
wells-as many as the days of the year. Take part in
the local festivities held on St. Takla's day on September
24.
In Ghalboun:
Visit the historical sites and monuments. Participate
in local celebration and festivities held on St. George's
days on April 23 and November 3rd.
Shamat
is known for Its tasty almond and traditional
and modern oil presses. Ghalboun is known for Its agricultural products.
Institutions
In Shamat: Mayor Council- A family association-
A sports and cultural club. In Ghalboun: Mayor Council-Al Nahda cultural
and sports Association.
