Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos
Jeita Grotto
Known by Lebanon’s Jewel of tourism Jeita Grotto gather all the elements of nature, stone, water, trees and flowers. This masterpiece has been nominated for the seven world wonders and was one of top 14 finalists.
Discovered in 1836, this fascinating cave, called nowadays Jeita Grotto is characterized by two limestone crystallized grottoes, shaping astonishing formations.
This masterpiece located 20 km away from north Beirut consists of two separated but interconnected systems. The lower caverns can be explored by boat and the upper system by foot.
After several years of extraordinary discovery, Lebanese researches have been able to enter 6910m from the lower grotto and 2130m from the upper gallery.
Lebanon’s pearl of nature offers visitors a spectacular naturally sculpted trip. Jeita Grotto is indeed a magical work of mother nature.
Byblos
Famous for being a city with great antiquity Byblos is one of the richest archeological sites in the country and it is believed that the city has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BC. Successive layers of debris have highlighted the great history of Byblos, leading to receive the UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1984.
It is also believed that the Phoenicians, the oldest inhabitant of the city have created the first 22 letter phonetic alphabet. The oldest Phoenician inscription is found in the national museum.
The Persian fortress dated from the 5th century, the crusader castle, medieval walls, the obelisk temple and much more form altogether continuous reminder of the past mixed with a present modern city rich with many coastal destinations, beautiful port magical harbor and charming old souk.
Located 37 km from the capital, Byblos is the perfect destination for people seeking serenity and calmness.
Harissa
Overlooking a panoramic view of Jounieh bay, with arms outstretched exist a huge 15-ton bronze statue of Virgin Mary painted in white. 600 m above sea level the shrine of our lady of Lebanon draws annually millions of faithful pilgrimage from all over the world.
At the entrance of the chapel, spiral stairs lead to the top of the statue, tourists can reach the queen of Lebanon also by cable car (Téléferique) from Jounieh bay to the mountain of Harissa.
