| |
| Amchit |
|
|
About 2 km north of Byblos, this
ancient coastal town climbs briefly up the lower elevations of
Mount Lebanon. Amchit is known for its many traditional houses
including the residence of French writer, Ernest Renan, who lived
here in the 19th century. The Tomb of Henriette Renan, his sister,
can also be visited.
|
 |
East of the village
is a funerary cave made into a chapel dedicated to Mar Sophia (Saint
Sophia) and her daughters. A sarcophagus with a Greek inscription
serves as an altar. Look for other antique remains and traces of
rock carvings in the same areaf
The Church of Saint George near the village was apparently built
on an ancient temple and the altar here has both Greek and Arabic
inscriptions. Nearby are Saydet Naya, where there are more rock
excavations, and Deir Mar Zahia, with an ancient rock-cut necropolis.
Coastal Amchit has the country’s only organized campsite, a
pleasant place with attractive beaches available to campers. Amchit
is also known for its baskets and mats woven from palm leaves.
About seven km north of Amchit, a footpath leads to the abandoned
village of Bjarine, vacated about the time of World War I. Today
its old stone houses shelter passing herds of sheep and goats but
the church is still used on occasion. The site is visible from the
road and enjoys an excellent view. It’s also a good place for
a picnic. Local residents will be happy to show you where to begin
this pleasant walk, which takes about an hour each way.
Some 8 km east of Amchit in Bahdeidat is the Church of Mar Tadros
(St. Theodore).
A small square structure of rough stones with an unusual enclosed
porch, much of its interior is covered with wall paintings from
the 12th and 13th centuries. In the center is Christ enthroned according
to Revelations and among the figures along the side walls are St.
Theodore and St. George on horseback. Look for a Syriac inscription
above the nave. If the door is locked, villagers will direct you
to the priest, who has the key.
The double Church of the Virgin and St. Stephen also retains its
vaulted porch and a few traces of wall paintings. From the porch
you enter the small chapel of Mar Estephanos (Saint Stephen) which
opens onto the chapel of the Virgin. The entire structure was probably
built on the remains of a Roman temple. The Church of Mar Nqoula
(Saint Nicholas) also has some Medieval wall paintings.
Bahdeidat overlooks Bentael village and the surrounding forest,
which has been made into a National Preserve of flora and fauna
typical of Mount Lebanon’s mid-elevations. Nearby is the historic
Monastery of Mar Yohanna. |
| |
|
|
|
Mount Lebanon:
