The Cedars   Eternal symbol of Lebanon

At more than 1.800 meters above sea level, the Cedars of Lebanon fascinate with their majesty and great age. Known for their long lasting wood resistant to temperature, humidity and decay, the trees were widely exploited in antiquity. In the Phoenician era, cedars wood was exported in bulk, mainly to Egypt and the Phoenician colonies of the Mediterranean.

King Solomon ordered large quantities of cedar wood from king Hiram of Tyre to build his temple in Jerusalem. The Egyptians used the wood for shipbuilding and making sarcophagi, while they employed the cedar oil for mummification.
Intensive exploitation of the Cedars continued through the centuries until their numbers were seriously diminished. Of the immense forests that once covered Mount Lebanon, only few isolated reserves remain today in Jaj, Tannourine, Ehden, Barouk, and Maasser el-Chouf.

The most famous cedars are undoubtedly hundreds of years old.
Four of these trees, estimated between 1.500 and 2,000 years old, have reached a height of 35 meters and their trunks are between 12 and 14 meters around.


With branches positioned like arms at prayer, the so-called Cedars of the Lord are their most impressive when seen under layers of white snow.
The resort of The Cedars near Bsharreh is also known for its excellent skiing and the exceptional view of the Quadisha valley seen from the highest slopes.