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(50 km from
Beirut) - Ancient Remains and Old Churches
Batroun, on the coast south of Tripoli, was known as "Batruna" in the famous Tell al Amarna letters of the 14th century B.C., although its history goes back even further. The
town was called "Botrys" in Greco-Roman times and during the Crusader era it was a
seigniory dependent on the County of Tripoli.
Batroun's fishing port, undoubtedly of great antiquity, still supplies local markets with
fresh fish. The city's sights can be best appreciated by heading on foot through the old part of town. On your way look for remains of the crusader castle within the walls of the 13th century souks and traditional houses.
 Along the sea front starting from the north end of town you will find the century-old Maronite cathedral of St. Stephan (Mar Stefan), the beautiful 13th century
Greek
Orthodox Church of St. George and the tiny chapel known as "Sadiyat al-Bahr," or Our Lady of the Sea.
This simple white washed building has a wide verandah overlooking the sea and
an excellent view of
Batroun's sea wall, which is what remains of a huge quarry
famous in Hellenistic and Roman times.
Batroun also has a rock-cut Roman theater. Today it sits in a private garden, but your visit
is welcome. Compare the motifs carved on the arch of a doorway near the theater with those over the door of the church of Saint George . These were made by the same hand that decorated the tombs near the Mar Estephan church in the neighboring village of Wajh
al-Hajar.
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 If you
Have Time ...
Musaylha Castle (6 km from Batroun)
The fortress was built by Fakhreddine II in 1624 to guard the route from
Tripoli to Beirut. You enter the diamond shaped castle by a narrow path and
rock-cut steps. The door, which is protected by a machicolated window, opens
onto a triangular courtyard that leads to the different parts of the castle.
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