El Minié, Lebanon
Region: El Minié is located in the Beqaa Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 34.447000, 35.817800
Population: 150000
Language: Arabic
El Minié is a charming village located in the north of Lebanon in the Koura district. The village sits at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills. Despite its small size, El Minié boasts a fascinating history and culture that draws visitors from all over Lebanon. One of the main attractions in El Minié is the stunning Our Lady of Hamatoura monastery. This ancient religious site dates back to the 4th century and has undergone several renovations throughout history. Visitors can appreciate its beautiful architecture and breathtaking views.
Another highlight of El Minié is its famous olive groves, Which are ideal for growing olives that produce high-quality olive oil renowned throughout Lebanon. Guided tours are available for visitors to learn about traditional methods used for harvesting olives and producing oil. El Minié also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, Including music festivals, Art exhibitions, And traditional dance performances. These events offer visitors a chance to experience Lebanese culture while enjoying local food and drink.
For outdoor enthusiasts, El Minié provides ample opportunities for hiking, Cycling or horseback riding through scenic countryside trails where many species of birds such as eagles, Hawks or falcons can be spotted attracting bird watchers from around the world. Accommodation options in El Minié include guesthouses where visitors can stay with local families who offer comfortable rooms along with homemade meals made with fresh ingredients sourced from their gardens. Overall, El Minié offers an authentic Lebanese experience filled with natural beauty, Rich history & culture along with warm hospitality making it one destination not-to-be-missed while visiting Lebanon!
- The Old Souk: A traditional market selling local goods such as spices, textiles, and jewelry.
- Our Lady of Mantara: A religious site where it is believed that the Virgin Mary visited and left her footprint on a rock.
- El-Mina Sea Castle: A fortress built by the Crusaders in the 13th century to protect against invaders.
- St. Charbel Monastery: A monastery dedicated to Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese Maronite monk who was canonized by the Catholic Church.
- Tripoli Citadel: An ancient fortress dating back to the 12th century that offers stunning views of Tripoli and its surroundings.
- Al-Mina Archaeological Site: An ancient Phoenician city with ruins dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.
- Rachana Nature Reserve: A protected area known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife including deer, wolves, and eagles.
- Palm Islands Nature Reserve: Three small islands located off the coast of El Minié that are home to rare species of birds and marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins.
- The Great Mosque Of Tripoli: It is one of Lebanon’s most notable Islamic sites which dates back to Mamluk era.
- Al-Tell Clock Tower: It is a historical clock tower located in Tell Square, built during Ottoman era.
- Agriculture (olives and citrus fruits)
- Tourism (due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea)
- Small-scale manufacturing (textiles and food processing)
- Several small businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and shops
- El Minié is a small town in Lebanon with a rich history.
- Despite the absence of many notable events or people associated with it, there are some significant historical events and notable figures that have impacted the town.
- During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), El Minié played a role as it was located near the front lines between Christian and Muslim militias.
- The 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah also affected the town.
- El Minié boasts several historical landmarks such as Our Lady of El-Minia Monastery, which dates back to the 17th century.
- Notable figures from El Minié include former Minister of Labor Charbel Nahas and poet Antoine Rizkallah Kassis.
- In recent years, El Minié has become known for its agricultural products such as olives and grapes used in wine-making.
- Overall, despite not being well-known for its historical events or famous personalities, El Minié holds an important place in Lebanon’s cultural heritage.
- The National Museum of Beirut showcases Lebanon’s rich history and culture with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.
- Sursock Museum is a stunning 19th-century mansion turned art museum that features a collection of modern and contemporary Lebanese art.
- Byblos Castle, an ancient castle in the coastal town of Byblos, dates back to the Crusader era and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Jeita Grotto, located just outside El Minié, is a series of limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years.
- Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine is a massive statue and shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary located on top of a hill overlooking Jounieh Bay.
- Beiteddine Palace is a beautiful 19th-century palace built by Emir Bashir Shihab II featuring intricate mosaics, marble courtyards, and lush gardens.
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located in Tannourine Nature Reserve where water cascades through a narrow chasm into an emerald-green pool below.
- Tyre Hippodrome & Necropolis Park are ancient Roman ruins consisting of an extensive necropolis filled with tombs dating back thousands of years surrounding an old hippodrome where chariot races were held.
- Feast of Saint Maron: A religious festival celebrated by the Maronite community in El Minié.
- Al-Midan International Theater Festival: A week-long theater festival held annually in September featuring local and international performances.
- Jezzine Summer Festival: A month-long summer festival held every August featuring traditional music, dance, food, and activities.
- Batroun International Festival: A 10-day summer festival held annually in July featuring concerts, cultural shows, art exhibitions, and fireworks displays.
- Tyre International Festival: A two-week summer festival held annually in July featuring music concerts, dance performances, theater shows and more.
It’s best to check with local tourism boards or event organizers for up-to-date information on upcoming events and festivals in El Minié or other parts of Lebanon as they may vary from year to year due to various factors such as political instability or COVID-19 restrictions.
- Al-Sultan Restaurant: This Lebanese restaurant serves traditional dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, and kebabs.
- Abou Fadel Bakery: A bakery famous for its manoushe – a Lebanese version of pizza topped with za’atar or cheese.
- Leila Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes such as grilled meats and seafood.
- Tawlet Ammiq: A farm-to-table concept restaurant that serves seasonal Lebanese dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Al-Fakher Sweets: This sweet shop specializes in traditional Middle Eastern sweets such as baklava, maamoul, and halva.
- Al-Mandaloun Cafe & Restaurant: A cafe-restaurant that serves a mix of Lebanese and international cuisine with a modern twist.
- La Cantine de Frida: An eclectic cafe-restaurant known for its brunch menu featuring dishes like avocado toast and shakshuka.
- Zaytouna Bay Beirut: This waterfront restaurant has stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea offering fresh seafood and traditional mezze plates.
- Em Sherif Cafe & Grill: An upscale eatery serving classic Lebanese fare including lamb chops, kebabs, mezze platters along with cocktails in an elegant setting.
- Makanek el Ferdossi: A small family-owned eatery popular for serving delicious homemade Makanek (Lebanese sausage) with pomegranate molasses sauce along with other traditional mezzes.
- Al Mina Public Garden – a large park with playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
- El-Mina Beach – a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- El Mina Marina – a marina with boat rentals and fishing opportunities.
- Al Mina Stadium – a sports complex with soccer fields and basketball courts.
- El-Mina Walking Trail – a scenic trail along the coast for walkers and joggers.
Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, some of these parks or activities may be closed or have limited access at this time.
