Deir El Ahmar is a town located 100 km from Beirut and 22 km northwest of Baalbeck in the Bekaa Valley. It is believed its name originated from the Aramaic Deir Ohmor, the Monastery of the Lord’s Brother. Deir El Ahmar is characterized by its climate — mild during spring and fall, dry and warm during summer and cold in winter — and its high altitude.
view of the beqaa valley
There are other explanations as to the origins of the name. Some believe that the name of the town was attributed to the large monastery in the area built on red stones — Red Monastery. However, there is another story told by the villagers that when the town was named, pagan tribes were baptized and monks who lived in the town built a monastery on the ruins of Jupiter’s Temple. The temple was used by pagans as a place of worship. Villagers used to come every morning to Mass before going about their day. One morning, the villagers did not hear the Church bell toll and went to the monastery. There, they found the monks had been slaughtered by the pagan tribes who came back to avenge their gods. The villagers ran back to the town shouting the monastery is red, “Deir El Ahmar” in Arabic, after seeing the blood.
Getting There
Take the Beirut-Damascus Highway out of the capital and follow the signs. It is also possible to reach Deir El Ahmar via the Cedars. During winter, some roads may be temporarily closed due to the heavy snow. Deir el Ahmar is very close to Saydet Beshwat Church.
What to Do
Church of Saydet El Borj
Religious sights Deir El Ahmar has eight historical churches. Saint Joseph Church completed in 1914, Our Lady of the Tower Church built on the ruins of the temple of Jupiter, Saint Georges, Saint Nohra, Saint Michel old and new, Saint Elie and Our Lady of Cultivation. The town is also the center of the Archbishopric of Baalbek-Deir El Ahmar.
Saydet Beshwat
Saydet Beshwat divine miracles have been reported and attributed to the Lady of Beshwat. Thousands of believers from different religions visit the sanctuary.
Yammouneh river
Yammouneh River most beautiful place to relax and have a walk or a bike ride around the river.
Qasr El Banat
Qasr El Banat it is a historical Roman temple located on a rocky plateau, accessible by a climb up a hill at an altitude of 1,100 meters.
Walking trail
Walking Trails The town has multiple walking trails, in different levels starting from the “beginners level” until the “highest level.” For guide reservation, contact: +961 3 098 131
Largest Rosary in the world
Rosary of Lebanon The record-breaking rosary of Lebanon can be found near the main road that runs between Deir El Ahmar and Beshwat. Built in 2011, it is 600 meters long and is made up of 59 illuminated beads. It is the biggest rosary in the world.
Couvent rouge winery
Winery Couvent Rouge winery was established to help local farmers. The modern winery building is located on a hill and overlooks the Bekaa Valley. It exports the majority of its wines to the United States. To celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin (Eid El Saydeh) in August, a Sunrise Fusion party is held every year on the rooftop of the winery. For more info, contact: +961 71 888 714
Karting at Iaat country club
Karting at Iaat Country Club to all the karting lovers! The court is located 10 minutes away from the village. It opens all summer but in winter it opens only on weekends. For reservation , call +961 79 186 934
Picture taken by Iaat country club.
Iaat country club swimming pool
Swimming pool at Iaat Country club the pool is also located 10 minutes away from the village, where people can enjoy a beautiful summer day by the pool to tan and swim. +961 79 186 934
Where to Eat
Deir El Ahmar is known for its farming activities and produce. You can easily find locally made delicacies in the shops and cooperatives.
Fawk el gheim
Fawk el Gheim is located within 30-minute drive from Deir El Ahmar. The outdoor restaurant is open beginning of May until end of the summer and offers delicious cuisine cooked by the ladies of Deir El Ahmar. Find your way to the restaurant here or call +961 70 477999
Sonbol
Sonbol is an international restaurant located in the middle of the village, it serves all kinds of delicious cuisines. For reservation call +961 70782071
Montana
Montana is a snack also located in the middle of the village, it serves sandwiches and fresh fruit cocktails.
Resto el Deir
Resto el Deir is a snack restaurant, most known for its shawarma sandwiches! +961 3 72 89 54
Cafe 28
Cafe 28 is a restaurant, where people get together to enjoy some drinks, arguile and play cards. It also serves an international cuisine. +961 71 127 693
Mataam el Rab is located next to Kniset el Rab which is a 30 minutes drive from Deir El Ahmar. It is the highest restaurant in the middle east, it is a must visit because of its amazing panoramic view and it serves an authentic Lebanese cuisine. For reservation, call +961 03 719 587
Ooyoun orghosh
Ooyoun Orghoch it is located 30 minutes away from Deir El Ahmar, known for its astonishing views surrounded by mountain hills and ponds. In spring and summer, the numerous tented restaurants offers fresh fish and all types of Lebanese appetizers such as tabouleh, fattouch, hommus, warak enab…
For reservation call restaurant Sansoul: +961 76 63 66 71 | +961 3 51 92 96
Where to Sleep
WADA guesthouse
The residents of Deir El Ahmar are extremely hospitable. It is not uncommon to be invited into their homes, even to spend the night. You can choose from the 30 guesthouses in the WADA Network. WADA, which stands for Women’s Association of Deir El Ahmar, is an NGO that promotes the role of women in rural development and welfare of society in the region around Deir El Ahmar. +961 3 622 369
WADA bungalow
WADA also has bungalows for rent! +961 3 622 369
Deir El Ahmar village
Deir El Ahmar Village is another accommodation option in the area. It has both hotels and chalets depending on each ones preferences. It is ideal to spend a weekend with family and friends! For reservation, call +961 81 270006
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