ESHMUN
SAIDA DISTRICT
Named after the Pheonician god of healing, the temple of Eshmun is located near the entrance of the El Awali River. Built in the seventh century BC, the temple features a wealth of different architectural styles influenced by the first Persian empire as well as Greek and Roman empires.
Olive groves, orchards and the abandoned terraces of Eshmun Valley form part of the surrounding landscape. Visitors to the area can also pass by Joune to see the Castle of Lady Hester Stanhope and stop in Deir El Moukhalles, the Monastery of Saint Savior, which was founded in 1733 and has one of the earliest printers and rare manuscripts.
Enjoy Lebanese mezze at Eshmun Valley Restaurant (07 990428), Tal El Qamar (71 898921) or Istirahat El A'ilat (03 411262) in the valley.