INTERESTING PLACES
Al-Qalamoun



The "Kalomos" of Greco-Roman times and the "Calamon" or "Calmont" of the Crusaders
Al Qalamoun became a center for brass work after metal workers from Tripoli'9s traditional Souk an-Nahhassin moved here several decades ago.
The main road is lined with small workshops and showrooms where brass bowls, candlesticks and other objects are hammered out in the old tradition. A good look around these shops may turn up interesting antique pieces as well. Road side stands in Al Qalamoun also sell olive oil and fruit syrups made from mulberry, lemon, orange and other juices.
 

 

Batroun
 

Batroun, on the coast south of Tripoli, was known as "Batruna" in the famous Tell al-Amarna letters of the 14th century B.C., although its history goes back even further. The town was called "Borrys" in Greco-Roman times and during the Crusader era it was a seigniory dependent on the County of Tripoli.
Batroun's fishing port, undoubtedly of great antiquity, still supplies local markets with fresh fish. Along the sea front starting from the north end of town you will find the century-old Maronite cathedral of St. Stephan (Mar Stefan), the beautiful 19th century Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and the tiny chapel known as ``Sadiyat al-Bahr," or Our Lady of the Sea. This simple white-washed building has a wide verandah overlooking the sea and an excellent view of Batroun's sea wall, which is what remains of a huge quarry famous in Hellenistic and Roman times.
Near the roadside just above the town is the ancient church of Mar Nohra built into the rock. From the wooden door fashioned from tree slabs to the yard shaded with a large Mediterranean oak, this is a charming spot.

 

Eshmoun
 

Temple of Eshmoun-A Unique Phoenician Site in Lebanon
The Temple of Eshmoun, less than an hour from Beirut, is situated 1km from Sidon in a lush valley of citrus groves on the Awwali River. The site known locally as " Bustan esh-Sheikh".

This Phoenician temple complex dedicated to the healing god Eshmoun, is the only Phoenician site in Lebanon that has retained more than its foundation stones. Building began at the end of the 7th Century BC and later additions were made in the following Centuries. Thus, many elements near the original temple site were completed long after the Phoenician era, including the Roman period colonnade, mosaics, a nymphaeun and the foundations of a Byzantine Church. All of these buildings testify to the site's lasting importance.