Zgharta

Zgharta is a historic mountain town in northern Lebanon, located about 80 kilometers from Beirut and just a few kilometers from the coastal city of Tripoli. The settlement is intricately linked with the town of Ehden; residents maintain a centuries-old tradition of migrating to the higher-elevation Ehden during the hot summer months and returning to Zgharta as their winter residence in the fall. The town's demographic is overwhelmingly Maronite Christian, and the local culture possesses strong ties to struggles for independence and the history of the Maronite church. Zgharta is also a notable center in Lebanese political life, having produced the late President Suleiman Frangieh. A distinctive culinary specialty of the area is Zghartawi kibbeh, a carefully spiced traditional dish made from minced meat and bulgur wheat. The local economy is firmly rooted in agriculture, particularly olive and fruit cultivation.

Nearby cities

Tripoli

The second-largest city in Lebanon, famous for its medieval Mamluk architecture and ancient souk.

Ehden

A mountainous summer resort in the north, offering breathtaking views and nature.

Bcharre

A town in the Qadisha Valley, famous as the birthplace of the poet Khalil Gibran.

Batroun

One of the oldest coastal cities with an impressive Phoenician sea wall and historical churches.

Qalamoun

A historic coastal town in North Lebanon, known for its olive groves, traditional brass craftsmanship, and luxury resorts.

Amioun

A town built on a hill that is home to significant Orthodox churches.

Tannourine

Home to one of Lebanon's densest cedar forests and a hub for outdoor adventure and hiking.

Chekka

A coastal town in North Lebanon known for its beaches and cement industry.

Laklouk

An all-season resort village known for its ski slopes in winter and terraced agriculture in summer.

History & landmarks

Qadisha Valley

A deep gorge in northern Lebanon that historically served as a refuge for Christian monks.

Douma

A charming mountain village famous for its red-tiled roofs, old souk, and preservation of traditional Lebanese architecture.

Baatara Gorge Waterfall

A spectacular waterfall that drops into a cave through three natural limestone bridges.

Cedars of God

One of the last remaining areas of the extensive Lebanon cedar forests of antiquity.

Nature

Batroun Coast

A picturesque coastline in northern Lebanon, known for its natural rock formations and clear bays.

More places

Tripoli Citadel

A massive fortress on a hill above the city, originally founded by the Crusader Raymond de Saint-Gilles.

Deir Ammar Power Plant

A major power plant in northern Lebanon, serving to supply the northern regions with electrical energy.

Tripoli Free Economic Zone

A strategic development zone in northern Lebanon aiming to attract foreign investment through tax-free incentives.

Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve

An isolated forest area in northern Lebanon known for its exceptional botanical diversity.

Palm Islands Nature Reserve

A small group of islands off the coast of Tripoli that serves as an important nesting site for endangered sea turtles.

Qannoubine Valley

A steep and inaccessible valley that served for centuries as a safe haven for Maronite communities.

Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve

One of the densest cedar forests in the country, nestled in a dramatic rocky landscape with deep sinkholes.

Monastery of Mar Sarkis

A historic rock-cut monastery in the Qadisha Valley, which now serves as a museum for the famous Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran.