Bcharre, also written as Bsharri, is a district located in the North Governorate with 26 towns and villages. Its picturesque mountainous landscape makes it a dream for photographers and tourists.
Here are some things you should know about this majestic place:
#1 Qadisha Valley
Bcharre is at the heart of the sacred Qadisha Valley, also called the Valley of The Saints. The magnificent valley was carved by a river known as the Qadisha River or Nahr Abu Ali. The term Qadisha, or Kadisha, means holy, which brings us to our next fact.
#2 Historic Christian presence
Bcharre’s Qadisha Valley is home to some of the most ancient Christian monastic communities and settlements in the Middle East. It is one of the most valuable historical and religious sites in Lebanon.
#3 Gibran Khalil Gibran
Bcharre is the birthplace of the famous American-Lebanese poet, writer, philosopher, Gibran Khalil Gibran.
There is even a museum in Bcharre in tribute to the great poet. His book, The Prophet, is one of the world’s best-selling books of all time.
#4 It is home to the historic Cedars of God
Bcharre is home to some of the oldest forests of the Lebanese Cedars of God. The centuries-old cedars still stand today, albeit reduced in number.
Both the Qadisha Valley and the forest of the Cedars of God were marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
#5 Qadisha Grotto
The 778-meter-long Qadisha Grotto dates back millions of years and is reportedly the oldest grotto in Lebanon, first discovered in 1903.
#6 It looks nearly unchanged in decades
This picture of the town of Bcharre taken nearly 70 years ago looks almost identical to what it looks like today.
With the exception of some added buildings, the town looks well preserved for decades.
#7 Camping
There are various campgrounds to set up tents and spend a good time outdoors in gorgeous Arz Bcharre.
#8 Stunning views
With Bcharre perched atop of the magnificent Holy Valley, the views from this area are breathtaking.
#9 Blanket of snow
Bcharre gets blanketed in snow during the winter turning into a white winter wonderland.
#10 Cedars Ski Resort
In winter, people flock to the “Arez” in Bcharre to frolic in the snow, ski, snowboard, enjoy cozy cabins, and bask in the changing weather.
#11 Eerie Scented Mist
Locals attest to the eerie mist the rises from the Holy Valley, engulfing the area with incense scent.
#12 A site that withstood times
#13 Trails through walls of crystal snow
#14 It’s a wonder during spring and summer
#15 It harbors Paradise-like spots at every corner
#16 Fascinating traditional architecture
#17 Beautiful ancient alleys to explore
#18 Danny Thomas Keirouz originated from Bsharre
The legendary celebrity and humanitarian, founder of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dany Thomas was born in Michigan (1912) to Lebanese parents from Bsharre, Margaret Tawq and Charbel Yaacoub Keirouz, who emigrated to the United States for work.
