🗺️ Explore Lebanon: Rotaract Aley Celebrates World Tourism Day
Celebrating Heritage and Beauty
On World Tourism Day, Rotaract Aley, under the leadership of Assil Ghoubar, Director of the International Understanding Committee, launched a stunning campaign to showcase the incredible beauty and rich history of Lebanon. Dubbed "Around the World with Rotaract," this initiative takes you on a virtual tour of the nation's most iconic and breathtaking destinations.
Lebanon, a land with a history stretching back millennia, offers a remarkable blend of ancient civilizations and dramatic natural landscapes. The Rotaract Aley campaign beautifully encapsulates this duality, highlighting must-see spots for both local and international travelers.
🏛️ Dive into History: Ancient Wonders
Lebanon is a living museum, offering unparalleled access to layers of history. The campaign highlights several key historical and archaeological sites:
- City of Byblos: One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Byblos was a critical hub for the Phoenicians. Visitors can explore Crusader castles, Roman theaters, and ancient temples.
- Sidon Sea Castle: Built by the Crusaders in the 13th century, this coastal fortress sits gracefully on a small island, offering sweeping views of the harbor and a tangible link to medieval history.
- Rashaya Citadel (Citadel of Independence): A site with traces of earlier civilizations, this 18th-century fortress played a pivotal role in Lebanon's modern history as a symbol of national pride.
- Kamouh el Hermel: Known as the Pyramid of Hermel, this enigmatic, 27-meter-high monument in the northern Beqaa Valley is one of Lebanon's most mysterious ancient sites.
🏞️ Discover Nature: Lebanon’s Natural Gems
Beyond the historical cities, Lebanon is home to spectacular natural wonders, many of which are protected sites:
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall (Three Bridges Chasm): A truly dramatic natural wonder where water plunges 255 meters into a limestone cave, passing through three natural rock bridges. It's a favorite spot for hikers and photographers.
- Jeita Grotto: This natural wonder consists of two interconnected limestone caves filled with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. The lower grotto is accessible by boat, while the upper galleries offer stunning walking tours.
- Pigeon Rock (Raouché Rocks): Located off Beirut's Corniche, these towering limestone sea arches, sculpted by centuries of erosion, are an iconic landmark and a perfect spot for seaside strolls and sunset views.
- Qadisha Valley & Cedars of God: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Qadisha Valley is known for its ancient monasteries and hermitages carved into the cliffs. Nearby, the Cedars of God forest preserves some of the last remnants of the ancient cedar forests celebrated throughout history.
- Palm Islands Nature Reserve: Established in 1992 off the coast of Tripoli, this critical sanctuary is home to endangered species such as loggerhead and green sea turtles, rare monk seals, and migratory birds.
🤝 A Message of International Understanding
This campaign isn't just a list of beautiful places; it's a testament to the core values of Rotaract. By promoting Lebanese tourism, Committee Director Assil Ghoubar and the Rotaract Aley team are fostering international understanding, encouraging people to appreciate the heritage, culture, and natural environment of Lebanon.
We congratulate Rotaract Aley for a successful World Tourism Day initiative that truly puts the spotlight on the pearl of the Middle East.
Have you visited any of these incredible Lebanese landmarks?
