The columns
Rows before massive walls.
LBM1948 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Throwawayhack — CC BY-SA 3.0 · LBM1948 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Synaps commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Throwawayhack — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Faqra ruins are a Roman and Byzantine archaeological site in Kfardebian, on the slopes of Mount Sannine at 1,500 m, and the most extensive Roman site in Mount Lebanon. Columns and temples stand among strangely shaped limestone rocks, giving the scene a unique feel. Visitors often come here with a trip to the nearby ski resorts or on the mountain road. The site lies exactly halfway between Beirut and Baalbek, the ancient Berytus and Heliopolis. It divides into three sectors: the Tower of Claudius and monumental altars on the northern hill, the Small Temple to the south and the Great Sanctuary between them. Roman veterans of the two legions Augustus settled at Berytus may have lived here. You walk between rows of re-erected columns before massive walls of stone blocks, flanked by natural rock masses that look like terraces. The square Tower of Claudius stands on the hill with its heavy blocks. Snow sometimes covers the whole site in winter, while grass and flowers spread across the ground in spring. It is about 31 km in a straight line from Beirut and about 18 km from Jounieh, and sources give 47 km by road from Beirut to the Faqra resort. You need a car, as transport is limited. Bring a jacket, as the air is fairly cool, and watch for loose stones. Do not climb the columns. Spring and autumn are the best times.
Rows before massive walls.
Heavy blocks on the hill.
Odd shapes around the temple.
Kfardebian, slopes of Mount Sannine, Keserwan District, Mount Lebanon
Snow may cover it, which looks beautiful, but the road may be hard, so check conditions.
By car from Beirut or Jounieh via Kfardebian, as public transport is limited.