Zahlé brings together historic architecture, religious heritage, and a rich festival tradition. Old houses, churches, and monasteries give the city a range of historical landmarks; the Festival of the Vine adds a recurring cultural event to this architectural history. Cuisine is also part of the picture: the Berdawni River is associated with numerous restaurants along its banks, which have a long-standing reputation for traditional cuisine. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to distinguish between the city’s enduring cultural heritage and the festival, traditionally held in September.
The Architectural History of Houses, Churches, and Monasteries
Zahlé’s historical heritage includes old houses with arches, red-tiled roofs, and ornate stone façades. Their architecture dates back to the early 19th century. The religious buildings mentioned here date back further: Saydet ez Zalzale (Our Lady of the Earthquake) is considered the city’s first church and was built around 1700. St. Michael’s Church was built in 1748 and is known for its interior arches.
The monasteries also reflect different historical periods. The Monastery of Our Lady of Salvation dates to around 1720, has a tall tower, and houses an icon of the Virgin Mary that a king of Bavaria gave to the city. The Choueirite Order built the Monastery of Mar Elias Tuwq in 1755; the monastery is known for its arches and architecture. The statue of Our Lady of Zahlé and the Bekaa offers a different historical reference point: it dates from 1968 and stands atop a 54-meter-high tower.
Historic Markets and Cultural Destinations
Zahlé’s historic market heritage includes Souk al-Balāt, one of the city’s well-known markets. Its name refers to the paving with stone slabs in 1888. Souk Hosh al-Zarāʿneh was home to khans and workshops for crafts and copperware. Buildings and murals there combined Arab and Western artistic styles.
The Lebanese Heritage Museum has a collection of ancient weapons that is among the largest archaeological collections in Lebanon. The Poets Park is associated with cultural and environmental tourism. The Museum of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation is associated with cultural and religious tourism, Saydet ez Zalzale with religious tourism, and the Zahlé Municipal Public Library with cultural tourism.
Festival of the Vine and Floats
The Festival of the Vine is considered Zahlé’s most important cultural event. Traditionally, it takes place every year in early September. The festival program spans several weeks and includes daily concerts, plays, poetry readings, and art exhibitions. The festival also includes a flower festival, during which flower-decorated floats travel through the city streets.
A historical account tells of a float by artist Samir Chamaoun: it depicted the presidential palace surrounded by flowers, traveled through the city streets, and won first prize.
Traditional Cuisine Along the Berdawni
The Berdawni River is associated with numerous restaurants along its banks, which have a long-standing reputation for traditional cuisine. This offers a culinary highlight alongside the city’s architectural history and festival program. If you are planning a restaurant visit, check in advance which establishments will be open on your dates.
Discover more destinations: Kafrā, Beit Al Dine, Batroûn, Admā, Damour, Mtolle, Douma, Zefta
For the main travel overview: Lebanon.
