CAZA:
Batroun
1100m Etymology:
Syriac origin, "Hardin", meaning "terrorized" or "Hor Din", meaning "the judge’s supervision”Hardine is a village of the upper Batroun region which seems forgotten by time. Its red-tiled houses, its many historic places of worship, its majestic temple dedicated to Mercury and its Roman and crusaders ruins blend in with nature and shape it. Shady caves and lost ruins emerge at the turn of its hiking trails. This mysterious and enigmatic aspect of the village is accentuated by an astonishing inclined natural plate that runs through it, giving it a unique surreal aspect. An absolute must.
Must-do things
- 30 churches and monasteries including the historic and ruined convents of Mar Faouqa, dating from the 6th century, Mar Youhanna el-Chaqf with its 12th century hermitage and Mar Sarkis el-Qarn dating back to the 12th century. As well as the different churches of Hardine, still in function, such as Mar Jeryes wa Edna, Saydet el-Najat, Mar Sarkis wa Bakhos …
- The remains of the Roman temple dedicated to Mercury and whose construction began with the emperor Hadrian in the year 117, as well as the remains of the adjacent Phoenician hotel (or checkpoint), located at the top of Jabal Hardine mountain
- The chapel, birthplace and museum of Mar Naamtallah Kassab el-Hardini
- The beautiful red-tiled traditional houses with 3 arcades
- Several specimens of vernacular houses
- Several examples of troglodyte dwellings as well as troglodyte places of worship, including Mar Elias el-Chir, Mar Touma, Mar Challita, Mar Estefane …
- The 4 Roman forest inscriptions of Hadrian
- Jabal Hardine mountain, sloping to the west, showing the action of the tectonic plates that shaped Mount Lebanon’s relief
- The rocky geological formation which consists mainly of 3 rocky plates, inclined from east to west, and in which remains of fossilized shells are evident
- The striking sinkholes scattered among the various rocky cliffs, including the most famous, Sahl el-Ram
- The forests of Scots pines and oaks surrounding the village
- The olive terraces
- The beautiful panoramas overlooking Kfar Hilda valley from Kfar Chira cliff and Jabal Hardine peak
- A pilgrimage in the village of Saint Naamatallah Kassab Al-Hardini
- Seek the help of the villagers for a walk through the village to visit the various historic grottos, or up to Jabal Hardine to visit the remains of the Roman temple, or take a little stroll in the immediate natural area of the village. Beware the risk of presence of antipersonnel mines in the neighborhoods of the village!
- Abou-Georges: On the main road to the village of Assia, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit for its delicious homemade mezzes in a simple but welcoming setting. A special mention for the grilled chicken and the tabbouleh.
- Diwan al-Hassoun: In a friendly and animated atmosphere, this Lebanese family restaurant located in Chabtine offers a good selection of mezzes.
