CAZA:

Keserwan
670m

Etymology:

Syriac origin, "Yeh Hoshusho" meaning "the suffering god", in reference to the god Adonis wounded in Nahr-Ibrahim river

The visit of the village of Yahchouch is thrilling because of grandiose canyon landscapes, vertiginous pine forests and scrubland hung on steep slopes. Stretching over 6 km, Yahchouch is one of the seven villages that surround Jabal Moussa Nature Reserve and is therefore part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves network. At 930m above sea level stands Saint Georges convent, built in the 14th century, with a bird’s eye view of the village. Further down, in Yahchouch Valley, stretches the reddish Nahr Ibrahim River in a place of outstanding natural beauty. This village includes Chouane, a locality rooted in an unconquerable nature, only accessible by a winding and narrow road, lined with vertiginous valleys. An entrance is also provided in the village to access the reserve or lake Chouane in a most authentic setting.

Must-do things
Architectural Heritage
  • Mar Jeryes convent built in the 14th century
  • Mar Semaan church located in the center of the village
Natural Heritage
  • The magnificent view of the river and Nahr Ibrahim gorges
  • A direct access to Jabal Moussa biosphere, listed by UNESCO in 2009
  • The numerous waterfalls and water sources
  • The peach, figs, blackberry and olive cultivation
Cultural Heritage
  • The summer festival held in August on the occasion of Saint Simeon’s feast
Hiking
  • The various hikes and activities planned as part of Jabal Moussa Biosphere and on the banks of Nahr Ibrahim river
Nearby sites and villages
  • The historic center of the small town of Ghazir
  • The cellars of Muzar Castle in Ghazir
  • The Roman temple of Machnaqa in the village of Almat
  • The Armenian Catholic convent of Bzoummar dating back to the 18th century
  • The religious sites of Daroun-Harissa
  • The pine forests in the village of Fatrey
  • Afqa grotto with its spring gushing on the side of a mountain top
  • The labelled villages of Ghosta, Aramoun, Dlebta and Aaqoura
A little further
  • The ruins of Qalaat Faqra, encompassing a Roman temple dating from the year 43, and Kfardebian’s Natural Bridge
  • Jeita Grotto in Nahr el-Kelb valley, an exceptional cave whose lower part was inhabited in prehistoric times
  • Kfardebian ski resort
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