Tag: “Levant”

6 places found.

1. 

   Harissa, Lebanon

   Harissa (Arabic حريصا) is an important Lebanese pilgrimage site high above Jounieh, located at 650 meters altitude from the coast and 20 km distance from Beirut the capital city; the site is accessible either by a steep winding road or a nine-minute journey by a gondola lift, known as the "Téléférique". It attracts both pilgrims and tourists who want to enjoy views of Jounieh.
   
   The main site is a huge 15-ton bronze (and painted white) statue of Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Lebanon or Notre Dame du Liban/Harissa or Our Virgin of Lebanon, with her arms outstretched.

2. 

   Qartaba, Lebanon

   Qartaba (aka 'Kartaba'), Lebanon is a beautiful, tranquil mountain village. At 54 km distance from Beirut, Qartaba sits on the mountains above *Byblos, one of the oldest cities in the world (*worth a visit for the old souq, countless fossils--20% of the world's supply is from here!, and ancient seaport).
   
   At an altitude of 1250m, Qartaba is recognized with having a healthy climate and beautiful scenery.

3. 

   Sidon, Lebanon

   Sidon ("Saïda," in Arabic) is the third-largest city in Lebanon. It is located in the South Governorate of Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast, about 40 km (25 mi.) north of Tyre and 40 km (25 mi.) south of the capital, Beirut.

4. 

   Baalbek, Lebanon

   Baalbek is a town in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, altitude 3,850 ft (1,170 m), situated east of the Litani River and about 85 km north east of Beirut. The history of Baalbeck dates back around 5000 years.

5. 

   Zouk Mikael, Lebanon

   Zouk Mikael is a town in in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon. The town is famous for its Ottoman era old souk, which was renovated and restored in 1995.

6. 

   Jounieh, Lebanon

   The Mediterranean Sea dips into the Lebanese countryside in the picturesque Bay of Jounieh.
   
   Jounieh is the capital of the Kerserwan region and is home to the prestigious Casino du Liban, as well as LBC (Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation). Also, in only nine minutes, Téléphérique (a cable-car system) transports passengers from Jounieh to an altitude of 650 meters at the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine in Harissa.