BKASSINE

Bkassine is one of Lebanon’s most charming and peaceful villages near Jezzine. It is considered one of the 7 most beautiful villages in the world.

Bkassine is located in the South of Lebanon, 70 km from the capital, Beirut, and 23 km from Sidon, situated at an average altitude of 800m.

The municipality of Bkassine is located in the Kaza of Jezzine, one of is one of the eight governorates of Lebanon.

Bkassine’ s name comes from the ancient Aramaic language and means “ the place of cup-making”.

It is characterized by the charm of its central square surrounded by mesmerizing greenery scenes where you’ll find Saint Takla, a beautiful church where breathtaking architecture is built on twenty-four columns with a stone dome in the shape of a cross.

Moreover, Bkassine is noted for its forest, which covers approximately one million sqaure meters, making it among the largest pine forests in the Middle East. Those pine trees are emerald guardians of Bkassine’s forest, virtuous, protective, refreshing and invigorating. Rising in splendor, their lofty height allows a broader view and larger perspective of things. Walking through this beguiling forest, the sun filters its warm rays through the tall pine trees, slightly brushing their feet. Crisp light snaps handsome pinecones from their place throughout the day where the fresh mint green scent of pines lingers

Furthermore, Bkassine reveals spectacular and peaceful views of the traditional red-roofed houses nestled in the narrow streets and greenery. It was declared in December of 2021 as one of the best tourist villages in the world, as part of the initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It was also awarded first prize for its preservation as a typical village in a competition organized by Lebanon’s National Institute of Heritage. A range of natural contrasts can be seen in the surrounding area: from bare mountains to lush valleys watered by waterfalls, the views change rapidly from pine- covered hills to dramatic rocky landscapes and fertile plains dotted with olive trees.