Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)

Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab) form a linked cultural and natural landscape in northern Lebanon and are inscribed together as a World Heritage property. The combined site protects a deeply incised limestone valley with long monastic use and a small ancient cedar reserve.

The valley contains numerous monastic settlements and hermitages carved into cliffs and sheltered caves, many associated with early and medieval Christian communities. The Cedars of God is a compact grove of native Cedrus libani trees that has cultural and ecological significance as a remnant of Lebanon’s historic cedar forests.

Monastic occupation of the valley dates back to the early Christian centuries and the site continued as a religious landscape through the medieval period; the cedar grove was used historically for timber and has been subject to protection and restoration efforts in recent centuries. The combined status recognises both the long cultural history and the important natural remnants.

Geographically the property lies in the rugged mountains of northern Lebanon, with the cedar grove near the town of Bsharri and the Qadisha valley cutting through steep limestone terrain. The area is accessed from mountain roads and is a common base for hiking and cultural visits.

• Hiking: Extensive hiking trails link monasteries and viewpoints, and the area is often visited for multi-stop walks between villages and valley overlooks.

What to See#

• Qadisha Valley: A steep mountain valley cut by the Qadisha (Kadisha) River containing numerous early Christian monasteries, hermit caves and rock-cut refuges preserved in a rugged gorge landscape.
• Horsh Arz el-Rab (Cedars of God): A small, protected stand of ancient Cedrus libani trees near the town of Bsharri, representing some of the best-known remnants of Lebanon’s historic cedar forests.

The two sites are reached from the mountain town of Bcharre (Bsharri), which is the usual gateway. From Beirut or Tripoli drive north along the coastal highway and then inland on mountain roads to Bcharre; the drive from Beirut is typically around 2.5-3 hours. From Bcharre the Cedars of God reserve and many trailheads into the Qadisha (Holy) Valley are a short local drive; there is parking near the Cedars reserve and walking trails into the valley start close to the village.

Public transport: shared minibuses and service taxis run from major coastal towns to Bcharre (change in Tripoli may be required); once in Bcharre you reach the Cedars and valley trailheads by a brief taxi ride or on foot from the village center.

• Aim for early morning (before 9:00) in spring or autumn for cooler temperatures and quieter trails; base yourself in Bcharreh to access both the Qadisha valley trails and the Cedars of God with the shortest drives.
• Use the main Horsh Arz el‑Rab parking/visitor area above Bcharreh as your entrance to the Cedars of God; from there the marked paths loop through the oldest trees and keep you on protected routes.
• Most visitors stick to the cedar grove itself - take time to visit the Qadisha monasteries (Qannubin and others) accessed from Bcharreh for carved caves and cliffside hermitages that are easily missed on a quick stop.