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Cedars of God: Ancient Sentinels of Lebanon

Walk among ancient giants in Lebanon's Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the nation's enduring strength.

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The Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Bsharri, Lebanon, are the last remnants of the great cedar forests that once blanketed Mount Lebanon. Revered for millennia, these majestic trees stand as a symbol of the country's history, resilience, and spiritual significance.

A brief summary to Cedars of God Bsharri

  • 62VX+HH3, Bsharri, LB
  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and optimal hiking conditions.
  • Wear layers, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
  • Entry to the Cedars of God is free, but donations to support reforestation efforts are welcome.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Gibran Museum or the monasteries in the Qadisha Valley.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the town center of Bsharri, the Cedars of God are approximately 3 kilometers away. The walk is uphill and takes around 30-45 minutes. Follow the signs directing you towards the Cedars. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months.

  • Public Transport

    From Beirut, take a bus or shared taxi to Tripoli. From Tripoli, transfer to another bus or taxi to Bsharri. From Bsharri, you can walk (3km uphill) or take a local taxi to the Cedars of God. The bus from Beirut to Tripoli costs approximately 20,000-30,000 LBP. A taxi from Tripoli to Bsharri will cost an additional 50,000-75,000 LBP. A local taxi from Bsharri to the Cedars will cost around 10,000-15,000 LBP.

  • Car

    From Beirut, take the coastal highway north towards Tripoli. Before entering Tripoli, follow signs to El Mina, which will lead you to the mountain road towards Bsharri. Continue to Bsharri and follow signs for the Cedars of God. Turn left onto a smaller road just before entering Bsharri town. Drive straight until you reach the parking area near the entrance of the Cedars of God. Parking fees may apply.

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Discover more about Cedars of God Bsharri

Nestled in the Kadisha Valley, near Bsharri, the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab) are a testament to Lebanon's enduring natural and cultural heritage. This ancient grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects some of the oldest cedar trees in the world, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old. These Cedrus libani, or Lebanon cedars, are not only the national emblem of Lebanon, proudly displayed on the flag, but also hold deep historical and religious significance. For centuries, the cedars have been prized for their durable timber, used by ancient civilizations including the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Israelites, and Ottomans for shipbuilding, construction, and even mummification. The Epic of Gilgamesh references these cedars, and the Bible mentions them over 100 times, highlighting their importance in ancient texts. Christian monks in the Kadisha Valley have long venerated the trees, adding to their spiritual aura. Today, visitors can wander through well-maintained paths, marveling at the gnarled branches and immense trunks of these ancient sentinels. The serene atmosphere invites reflection, offering a connection to both nature and history. Sculptures and commemorative plaques add to the experience, while reforestation efforts promise a future for these iconic forests. Though deforestation has significantly reduced their numbers, the remaining Cedars of God stand as a powerful symbol of Lebanon's past and a beacon of hope for its future.

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