Beit Mery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Beit Mery (بيت مري) | |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Lebanon |
| Governorate | Mount Lebanon Governorate |
| District | Matn District |
| Geography | |
  Beit Mery
Location of Beit Mery, Lebanon
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| Elevation | 800 m |
Overlooking the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, the town of Beit Mery has been a summer, mountain resort since the times of the Romans. Beit Mery is home to a Lebanese Red Cross First Aid Center.[1]
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[edit] Culture
In winter, the town is also the scene of an annual cultural festival held at the Al Bustan hotel that features international drama and dance groups as well as orchestras and chamber ensembles.
[edit] Demography
The inhabitants of Beit Mery are Christian Lebanese, mostly Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Armenian Orthodox.
[edit] Geography
Beit Mery occupies a hill, 800 meters above sea level, which gives the picturesque town spectacular views of the Beirut peninsula and the Mediterranean coast.
[edit] History
The Roman emperors who ruled Lebanon made Beit Mery their summer resort due to its high location and pleasant summer weather. [2]
[edit] Tourism
The town is known for its ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins as well as the historic Maronite Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, which was built in 1750.[3] The town, which is only 16 km from Beirut, continues to be a major summer resort in Lebanon with a large number of famous hotels, most notably Al Bustan and Printania. Lush pine forests surround the town and restaurants with panoramic views of the valleys and the sea make Beit Mery a favorite summer spot.[4]
