HIGHLIGHTS

• Koubayet Info
• Kobayat is very green and very quiet. The forests in the Kobayat area and around it are the largest in Lebanon and the most bio-diverse in the region, there are at least three protected natural sites of forests including Karm-Chbat, one of the best naturally preserved Cedars forest reserve in Lebanon, Al-Chanbouq Reserve and Al Qammouaa (in Fnaidek) which are areas of rich biodiversity where you can find Cedar and pine trees as well as one of the largest Oak forests, characterized by its density & length, (غابة العزر) in the Middle East. If you head to Andkit which is 5 minutes away from Kobayat, you can visit the stunning Audeen Valley. Other natural attractions also include Ain Martmoura (Spring), Al Kobayat river & Ain al Sitt, a couple of springs and old caves in Fnaidek. There’s a lot of greenery everywhere you look and you can spend the whole day driving or walking around and enjoying the landscapes.
• Moreover, if you love trekking, hiking or mountain biking, you will find the most beautiful trails there.
• For those of you who like museums, Kobayat has an amazing scientific museum for birds, butterflies and animals that served once as a school for Carmelite priests back in 1908. The museum has over 400 species of birds and animals found in Lebanon and up to 4000 species of butterflies from all over the world.
• History: Kobayat is one of Lebanon’s most ancient towns
• Kobayat is a very old town and was considered a major trading route on the Silk Road. You will find artifacts dating back to the Phoenicians, Greek and Roman Empires and others. Here’s a list of monuments that you can visit in Kobayat and its vicinity that include
• – An old silk plant and remains of old mills (also found in nearby Andkit).– An old olive press with caves and engraved rocks in Akroum.
• – A 13th century citadel in Akkar Al-Atika.
• – Old citadels and mosques dating from the 19th century in Al Bireh and Bourj village.
• – Al Hosn citadel and Nebuchadnezzar Rock in Kfarnoun.
• Religious Tourism: Over 25 Churches,
Convents &Monasteries
• A lot of people visit Kobayat for faith reasons. There are tens of ancient churches, convents and monasteries in Kobayat and its vicinity and most of them are located in the most amazing spots all surrounded by greenery. Some of the popular religious sites in Kobayat are:
• – Saydet (Our Lady) Al-Ghisseleh Ancient Church
• – Mar Doumit Ancient Monastery for Carmelite Fathers
• – Mar Challita Ancient Monastery (Andkit)
• – Saint Joseph and Mar Saba Ancient Monasteries (Andkit)
• – Mar Gerges (Saint Georges) Ancient Monastery and Church, near an Old Well
• – Saydet Ghezrata Ancient Church
• – Old Church in Al-Chanbouq Area
• – Saydet Chahlo Church
• – Mar Eliane Monastery within Al-Bat’aneh Valley buried underground (Andkit)
• – Our Lady of the Fort (Saydet el Qalaa) in Mounjez
• – Mar Elias in Oudine.