Jezzine is one of the country’s most beautiful districts. Surrounded by mountain peaks and pine forests, it promises visitors stunning scenery, beautiful weather and fantastic food. Take a look at our list of eight things to see and do in the area.
1- Bkassine Pine Forest
Pine Forest
Bkassine lies next to the largest pine forest in the Mediterranean, which spreads over 200 hectares.
This forest is the most important feature of the village and is the main touristic attraction.
The Municipality is responsible of the management of the forest and of all activities taking place within. The forest includes several traditional features such as kilns, olive presses, old bridges, water sources and hydraulic mills representing an ideal location for ecotourism. The forest also offers a beautiful panoramic views of the Mount Lebanon ridge.
2- Jezzine waterfalls
Jezzine Waterfalls
At 74 meters, the falls are among the highest in Lebanon and have earned the town the title of “City of Falls.” According to Joe Naim, consultant of the Union of Jezzine Municipalities, to experience the full beauty of the falls, one must visit in winter or spring.
3- Caves
The Fakhreddine grotto is well known in the area. Situated 500 meters from the waterfall, it is where Emir Fakhreddine hid before the Ottomans captured and killed him. It was also used as a place of refuge during the first and second world wars.
4- Religious sites
The Church of the Lady of Bisri, the Monastery of the Lady of Machmouche (one of Lebanon’s largest and most important Maronite monasteries, built on the burial site of Patriarch Semaan Awad), the Monastery of Bhannin, the Monastery of Saint Peter and Paul in Qattin, the Monastery of Mzayraa, the Monastery of Saint Antoine and the Saint Thècle Church in Bkassine are among the most celebrated religious sites in the area.
5- Hiking and trekking
Lebanon Mountain trail
The Lebanon Mountain Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that extends from Qobaiyat in the north of Lebanon to Marjaayoun in the south. Jezzine is one of the country’s most treasured hiking spots and showcases the natural beauty of Lebanon’s mountains.
6- Mouneh
Photo – Joe Sokhn
A selection of preserved foods for the winter months that Lebanon has become famed for. Jezzine specialties include pine nuts, olive oil, olives, soap, kechek, jams and arak.
7- Local handicrafts
Daggers made of inlaid mosaic and bone, and trademark ebony and bone handled cutlery, typically inlaid with mother of pearl, gold, silver and other precious metals. Of the cutlery, most favored are those with handles carved in the shape of a phoenix and vibrantly painted. This firebird cutlery has been presented to dignitaries all over the world, a tradition that began in the 18th century with a gift to the Sultans of Oman. All visitors to the Lebanese Presidential Palace continue to receive the phoenix-handled knife.
8- Wine tasting
Karam Winery
Karam Winery is the only winery in the region. It is a family-own and run establishment driven by passion and dedication.
The winery’s stunning vineyards are located up to 1,400 meters above sea level.
Tours need to be arranged ahead of time by calling +961 70 485 658. Visitors will be given a brief history of how Karam Wines began, followed by a stroll through the vineyards and a tutored tasting of the 12 wines within Karam’s range.
Author: Joe Naim
Original Article Published on July 20, 2011.
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