BATROUN, in northern Lebanon, is one of the oldest cities of the world. It was referred to as “Batruna” in the famous Tell Al-Amarna letters of the 14th century B.C., though its history goes back even further.
The town was called “Botrys” in Greco-Roman times and during the Crusader era it was a seigniory dependent on the County of Tripoli.
Most important among its countless historical ruins is the unique Phoenician wall. In front of it is pond carved in the stone known as “Bint Al-Malek” (the king’s daughter, where it is said Phoenician king’s daughter used to bathe.
Batroun’s fishing port, undoubtedly of great antiquity, still supplies local markets with fresh fish. The city’s sights can be best appreciated by heading on foot through the old part of town. On your way look for remains of the Crusader castle within the walls of the 13th century souks and traditional houses.
Along the sea front starting from the north end of town you will find the century-old Maronite cathedral of St. Stephan (Mar Stefan), the beautiful 13th century Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and the tiny chapel known as “Sadiyat Al-Bahr,” or Our Lady of the Sea. This simple whitewashed building has a wide verandah overlooking the sea and an excellent view of Batroun’s sea wall, which is what remains of a huge quarry famous in Hellenistic and Roman times.
Batroun also has a rock-cut Roman theater. Today it sits in a private garden, but your visit is welcome. Compare the motifs carved on the arch of a doorway near the theater with those over the door of the church of Saint George. These were made by the same hand that decorated the tombs near the Mar Estephan church in the neighboring village of Wajh Al-Hajar.
Your tour of Batroun will lead you through one of the most beautiful souks in the region, where you can watch traditional craftsmen at work, including blacksmiths and wood carvers.
The city still retains sections of the water channels the Romans used to use to irrigate the city, parts of it intact and connected to the modern canalization.
Batroun Municipality Council has been able to achieve a number of modern projects too, which place it among the most important tourist destinations in Lebanon. They include lights in the harbor, a promenade by the sea, and repaving of many of its old streets.
In addition to the historical heritage, Batroun’s resorts and surrounding areas are powerful attraction for visitors who come to relax and recuperate.
On the waterfront there is the San Stefano tourist resort, as well as Aqualand and Al-Sawari recreation complexes. For nature lovers there is the famous Batroun Village Club dramatically perched above the city by the sea. Nearby, in Shaka Al-Heri the Florida Beach resort is fitted out in luxury and style. Its 172 bungalows, swimming-pools for children and adults, and a marina that can cater to more than 50 yachts, and its gourmet restaurants serving food to international standards to international levels and standards, make the complex almost a city in its own right.
The location was carefully chosen to the leeside of a mountain that means the sea is always calm and welcoming to swimmers here.
There are stone and sand beaches all along the coast near Batrouna, many occupied by modern beach resorts.
After a day’s relaxation, the town offers ample variety of nightlife, particularly during the summer months.
