Batruni in Lebanon
Batruni is a small Maronite village in northern Lebanon, located 55 km m capital. Batruni in the plain through which the river Nahr el Djavza. The city is quiet, comfortable and quiet, which creates favorable conditions for a pleasant family holiday. The first mention of Batruni from the 15th century BC, but in fact the city is much older and is one of the oldest in the world, along with also the Lebanese city of Byblos, which is located 15 kilometers from Batrun.
Along the river Nahr el Djavza found a number of caves in which lived ancient people. In the caves and in the vicinity of them have found a lot of tools (axes, knives, pieces of granite). Batruni founded by Phoenicians. The city’s name is initially sounded like Botris and had Greek origins. In the Middle Ages Batruni was part of the County of Tripoli and was famous for its vineyards.
To imagine what it was centuries ago Batruni not have to have a very good imagination and rich imagination, just walk around the old part of the city, which stretches along the sea. Over the maintenance of order in the cozy streets of the city followed by local residents. In the city there are numerous historical monuments, which motivate and attract tourists. In 2004-20054 years in Batruni launched the project, which includes reconstruction of historical monuments. The project cost about half a million dollars, funding was received from the municipality and the World Bank.
Let’s get a little bit with some of the most interesting monuments. Church of St. George was built in 1867. The church is very comfortable and has an interesting design. Inside the church there are 21 beautifully painted mural. The altar is decorated with doves, carved out of wood. The church as it is divided into two parts iconostasis, eastern part is a room for the choir, and the west – to the worshipers. Entrance to the church is also unusual. You must first go through a small doorway and only after it is decorated with different patterns and colors arched door.
Not far from the church of St. George’s Maronite Church of the Holy Estefan (also known as the Church of fishermen). It is built around the same period on the site of the ancient church. Church architecture combines different styles. Recently, the church was reconstructed during which restored the old stonework. There are Batruni interesting natural landmark – a natural sea wall, located in the old harbor, which forms the creek on the land. It has been consolidated during the Phoenicia.
Near the old harbor, you can see many stone structures of the Ottoman era, preserved to our time. In the north-eastern part of the city (district Mra El Shaikh), in the garden of a private house, the remnants of a small Roman theater. Build a theater building began in the 3rd century AD, but construction has not been completed. Unusual theater that his building is carved into the rock on the hill. Tourists can enjoy the theater just over the wall. Not far from the theater door remained the second half of the 19th century (probably 1868). It is interesting for its beautiful designs, similar to the decoration on the porch of the Church of St. George.
While the economy is in a period Batrun heyday, most residents were wealthy and built a large house with an interesting architectural design and decor. In the center of the remains Batrun Crusader fortress, which was destroyed in 1289.
Three kilometers from Batrun, in the valley of Ras el-Chekka, deserves the attention of tourists Mussalayha castle, built in the 16th century. Previously, the castle was protected by the road between Tripoli and Beirut, then it was the only land route connecting the two major Lebanese cities. Mussalayha castle located on a cliff top in such a way that it looks like a continuation. By the entrance to the castle is steep stairs carved into the rock.
Mussalayha size is not impressive, but its architecture attracts immediately. Just below the castle a small river flows through which in ancient times was built a beautiful stone bridge. Of downtown along the city’s beaches are a number of comfortable hotels, which represent whole resort. For relaxation and comfort all conditions. Saharan Batrun, just outside the city, is a beautiful white beach.
Although entrance to the beach and paid, but in the high season it is always crowded because that was crystal-clear water and clean beach, covered with white pebbles. White Beach – a perfect place for surfers and windsurfers, perhaps the best place in Lebanon. Near the beach, a restaurant and cafe. Batruni is a perfect place for those who like a quiet, relaxing holiday, but you will not have to miss. Saturated tours, cafes, restaurants, walking the ancient city will leave the sea of pleasant experiences of being in Batruni.
