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Five things to do in Baskinta
Baskinta is a Syriac word meaning ‘the house of wisdom.’ With Sannine to the east, Bakiche and Marj to the north and Zaarour to the south, Baskinta is a geographical fortress. Spanning an altitude of 1,250 to 1,800 meters above sea level, it is a village overflowing in natural resources and one whose unique beauty has made it a site of interest for lovers of the outdoors.
1. TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Remnants of the past are prevalent in Baskinta, where one can find the ruins of monuments, cemeteries and numismatics dating back to the Phoenician, Roman, and Greek ages. The pillars and underground passages of huge palaces built by the Greeks can still be found in the middle of the village.
The town also boasts a rich legacy of writers, including author and poet Mikhail Naimy. Together with Khalil Gibran and eight other writers, Naimy formed a movement for the rebirth of Arabic literature in New York at the early part of the 20th century. A mausoleum in his honor and that of George Ghanem, another celebrated author, can be found in the village. Visitors can also marvel at the old abandoned family house of writer Sleiman Kattaneh.
2. EXPLORE THE SAYF EL DAWLA CAVE
Named after the Arab leader of the Hamadani state in 940 A.D., the majestic Sayf El Dawla Cave is visible from quite a distance. Although it is not well-equipped, expert climbers will certainly find it an interesting site to explore. If you are up for the challenge, be sure to take your gear along.
3. VISIT THE CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION (SAIDET EL BISHARA)
Completed in 1830, the convent is nothing short of a masterpiece. Built on a Roman temple, it is characterized by yellow petro stone and grandiose arcades. In some places, two or three arcades have been built on top of each other, a rarity in Lebanon. From there, continue to the monastery of St. Mitri, built in 1767.
4. ENJOY A PICNIC IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
With oak and pine forests all around, Baskinta and Marj Baskinta are beautifully verdant, particularly during the summer. Head to Mount Sannine for the perfect picnic spot and enjoy the view of old stone houses and apple orchards. You can even try your hand at cherry and apple picking while you are in the area.
5. TAKE A HIKE
Baskinta is a popular destination among the hiking community. The literary trail of Baskinta, part of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, begins in Chakhroub and continues through the woods. Hikers will hear the calming sound of running water throughout the hike as Sannine’s melting snow creates countless streams. vamos-todos.com