City of Baalbek
Baalbek, a significant city in Lebanon, is situated in the northern part of the Bekaa Valley and serves as the administrative center of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. The city is renowned for its lush greenery and fertile lands, primarily due to the flow of the Litani River, which contributes to its abundant agricultural produce. Flanked by the Eastern and Western mountain ranges, Baalbek stands approximately 1,163 meters above sea level, and it lies about 83 kilometers from the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The name Baalbek is derived from ancient references in the biblical texts, where it is mentioned as “Baalbec.” This nomenclature has Semitic origins; “Baal” translates to “lord” or “master,” while “Bek” signifies the Bekaa Valley, thus making its overall interpretation “The God of the Bekaa Valley.” Baalbek is often referred to as the “City of the Sun.” The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with characteristics leaning towards aridity, featuring extremely hot, dry summers and relatively cool winters, occasionally accompanied by snowfall. The average annual rainfall is around 593 mm.
Tourism in Baalbek
Baalbek is one of Lebanon’s prominent tourist destinations, famous for its remarkable Roman ruins that testify to its historic significance. The city annually hosts numerous international festivals and attracts many Arab and foreign artists, playing a vital role in boosting tourism in the eastern part of the country.
Baalbek’s Ancient Sites
Key historical sites in Baalbek include:
- The Temples: Baalbek is known for its majestic Roman temples, which were dedicated to three deities: Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. These structures suffered destruction from earthquakes in the sixth century but some remnants can still be observed today.
- The Stone of the Pregnant Woman: This massive stone, measuring over 21 meters in length and weighing approximately one thousand tons, was quarried for the construction of a temple over two millennia ago.
- The Shrine of Sayyida Khawla Bint Imam Hussein: This site attracts many visitors who come to admire it, alongside the Um Ayad Mosque.
- The Domes of Aamjad and Doris: These domes remain as remnants of two mosques built from the stone used in the city’s ancient temples. Visitors can enjoy views of a train station that dates back to the 1930s during the French mandate.
- Palmyra Hotel: With a history spanning more than 120 years, this hotel boasts a prime location overlooking the historic street.