Zahlé, Lebanon

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Zahlé, Lebanon

Region: Bekaa

---

Geographic Coordinates: 33.833300, 35.916700

Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Zahlé, Lebanon are influenced by its location in the eastern Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Winters are mild with occasional rainfall, averaging around 15°C (59°F) during the day and dropping to 5°C (41°F) at night. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with comfortable temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Population: 100000

Language: Arabic

---

Zahlé is a beautiful city located in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and is known as the City of Wine and Poetry. The city’s altitude of 1000 meters above sea level provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. One of Zahlé’s most notable features is its stunning architecture that combines European and Middle Eastern styles. The historic center, Al Midan, Contains numerous Ottoman-era buildings such as mosques, Churches, And traditional Lebanese houses with red-tiled roofs.

The fertile soil in the Bekaa Valley makes Zahlé famous for its high-quality wines that are exported worldwide. Visitors can take tours of wineries or attend annual wine festivals. Zahlé’s cuisine is equally impressive with traditional Lebanese dishes such as kibbeh nayyeh, Tabbouleh, And fattoush served at local restaurants. Sweet shops sell delicious pastries like baklava and maamoul. Poetry holds a special place in Zahlé’s heart with many famous poets contributing to Arabic literature throughout history. Visitors can find poetry collections at bookstores or attend poetry festivals held throughout the year.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking trails through nearby mountains offering stunning views over vineyards and orchards while cycling routes lead through picturesque villages along scenic roadsides. Overall, Zahlé offers visitors a unique blend of culture, History, Natural beauty making it an excellent destination to visit in Lebanon.

---

---

1. Berdawni Promenade: A popular pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
2. Our Lady of Zahlé and Bekaa: A historic church located on a hill overlooking the city.
3. Taanayel Park: A beautiful park with a lake, walking trails, and picnic areas.
4. Deir el Ahmar Castle: An ancient castle dating back to the 12th century.
5. Emir Assaf Palace: A grand palace built in the 19th century that now serves as a museum.
6. Saint Elias Church: A historic church dating back to the 17th century.
7. Zahlé Souks: Traditional markets selling local products such as sweets, spices, and handicrafts.
8. Coteaux de Zahleh Winery: One of Lebanon’s oldest wineries offering tours and tastings.
9. Monastery of Saint Maroun Annaya: An important religious site dedicated to Saint Maroun located just outside of Zahle.
10. Qaraoun Lake: A scenic lake located near Zahle that offers boating and fishing opportunities for visitors.

---

1. Zahlé is a city located in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, known for its wine and poetry.
2. The city has a diverse range of industries and businesses that contribute to its economy.
3. Wine production is one of the major industries in Zahlé, with many vineyards and wineries located in the region.
4. The fertile land in the Bekaa Valley also makes it an ideal location for agriculture, with crops including wheat, vegetables, fruits, and olives.
5. Tourism is another important industry in Zahlé due to its historic buildings, museums, restaurants serving Lebanese cuisine and scenic views of the valley.
6. Zahlé also has several universities that attract students from all over Lebanon.
7. The city has a small manufacturing sector that produces goods such as textiles, furniture and food products.
8. Traditional Lebanese handicrafts such as pottery and embroidery can be found at shops located at Zahlé’s old souk (marketplace).
9. Several banks have branches located in Zahlé to serve local businesses and residents while there are several hospitals and medical clinics providing healthcare services to residents of the city and surrounding areas.

---

1. The town was established in the mid-18th century as a center for trade and agriculture.
2. The Battle of Zahle occurred in 1860, during which the town’s residents defended themselves against Druze attacks during the Mount Lebanon civil war.
3. The Beirut-Damascus railway was constructed in 1895, which helped to boost Zahlé’s economy.
4. Several educational institutions were established in Zahlé, including Saint Joseph University and Notre Dame University-Louaize.
5. Zahlé is a center for Lebanese wine production, with many vineyards located nearby.
6. Notable people from Zahlé include former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and singer Fairuz.
7. In recent years, Zahlé has been impacted by the Syrian refugee crisis due to its proximity to Syria and its status as a major transportation hub between Beirut and Damascus.

---

1. Our Lady of Zahle and the Bekaa is a historic church with beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It was built in 1892.
2. The Emir Assaf Palace is a restored Ottoman-era palace that now serves as a museum showcasing traditional Lebanese crafts and artifacts.
3. The Zahlé National Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Zahlé, featuring exhibits on local traditions, industry, agriculture, and more.
4. Saint Maroun Monastery is an ancient monastery dating back to the 5th century, with beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings.
5. The Roman Bridge is an ancient bridge over the Berdawni River that dates back to Roman times.
6. Saint Elias Church is a historic church built in 1750 that features stunning frescoes and an ornate altar.
7. Al-Madrasa Al-Othmaniyah Mosque is a beautiful mosque built during Ottoman rule in Lebanon, featuring intricate tilework and calligraphy.
8. The Berdawni Promenade is a lively pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and art galleries – perfect for a leisurely stroll or an evening out on the town!
9. The Wine Route of Lebanon: Zahlé is known for its wine production – take a tour of local vineyards to learn about Lebanese winemaking traditions while enjoying some delicious samples!

---

---

1. Al-Ansar SC: Established in 1948, Al-Ansar SC is one of the oldest football clubs in Lebanon. The team has won several domestic titles over the years and has also competed at an international level.
2. Al-Mabarra FC: Founded in 1960, Al-Mabarra FC is another well-known football club from Zahlé that has participated in numerous national competitions.
3. Al-Nabi Chit SC: Created in 1970, Al-Nabi Chit SC is a relatively new but competitive football club from Zahlé that has gained popularity over recent years.

Aside from soccer, other popular sports played by teams from Zahlé include basketball, volleyball, handball and tennis among others.

---

---

1. Festival of the Vineyards: This festival is held every September in Zahlé to celebrate the grape harvest season. It includes wine-tasting, traditional food, music, and dance performances.
2. Easter Celebrations: Zahlé is known for its elaborate Easter celebrations that include processions, street decorations, and fireworks displays.
3. International Festival of Tourism and Folklore: This festival takes place every August and showcases traditional Lebanese culture through music, dance, crafts, and food.
4. Christmas Festivities: The town of Zahlé transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season with holiday lights and decorations lining the streets.
5. Saint Barbara’s Day Celebrations: Every December 4th, Zahlé celebrates Saint Barbara’s Day with a parade featuring traditional costumes and music.
6. Summer Festivals: From June to September, Zahlé hosts various summer festivals such as music concerts and outdoor events at local parks.
7. Independence Day Celebrations: On November 22nd each year Lebanon celebrates its independence from France; festivities include parades and fireworks displays across the country including in Zahle’.

---

• Ksara Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Zahlé and is known for its Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Al Fakher Sweets: A bakery that offers a variety of traditional Lebanese sweets such as baklava, maamoul, and knafeh.
• Le Gourmet du Village: This restaurant uses fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers to serve traditional Lebanese dishes with a modern twist.
• Al Halabi Restaurant: Specializing in Syrian cuisine, this restaurant serves delicious kebabs, hummus, and other Middle Eastern dishes.
• Dar El Amar: Famous for its Lebanese mezza (small plates) which includes tabbouleh, fattoush salad, baba ghanoush and more.
• L’Abdine Restaurant & Café: Located on the outskirts of Zahlé overlooking the valley below it is known for its beautiful view as well as its delicious food including grilled meats and seafood.
• Chez Charles Bakery & Pastry Shop: A popular spot for breakfast or afternoon tea offering a variety of pastries such as croissants filled with chocolate or custard cream to savory items like spinach fatayer or cheese manakish (a type of flatbread).
• Al Khayyam Restaurant & Lounge Bar: Known for their live music performances along with their tasty food including grilled meats like shish taouk (chicken skewers) served with garlic sauce or kibbeh nayyeh (raw meat dish).
• La Maison de la Forêt – The House Of Forests : A beautiful outdoor garden setting that serves authentic middle eastern cuisine along with international dishes too!
• La Table D’Alfred : A fine dining experience that offers exquisite French Cuisine combined with an amazing view over the Bekaa Valley!

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Berdawni Promenade: A beautiful walkway that runs alongside the Berdawni River, featuring a range of restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy.
2. Taanayel Ecolodge: A stunning nature reserve that boasts hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and agricultural activities.
3. Al-Moutaleb Park: A popular public park that offers a range of amenities including playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
4. La Maison de la Forêt: An eco-tourism destination that provides outdoor enthusiasts with thrilling activities such as zip-lining and tree-climbing.
5. Deir El Ahmar Natural Reserve: A protected area perfect for hiking while observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
6. Château Ksara Winery: An iconic winery with a rich history offering tours and tastings of some of Lebanon’s finest wines.
7. Hiking in the nearby mountains such as Mount Sannine or Mount Lebanon is an excellent way to explore the region’s natural beauty.
8. Skiing at Faraya Mzaar ski resort during winter months (December to March) is a popular activity among locals and tourists alike.
9. Kayaking or rafting on the Litani River during spring/summer months (April to September) provides an exhilarating experience for water sports enthusiasts.
10. Cycling or mountain biking on various trails around Zahlé countryside offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape while getting some exercise in the fresh air!

---



Adventure Awaits!

---