Lebanon in a Picture

Bab al Faradis. In the river valley just below the charming mountain town... (Bâroûk, Mont-Liban, Lebanon)

Bab al Faradis. In the river valley just below the charming mountain town... (Bâroûk, Mont-Liban, Lebanon) Bab al Faradis. In the river valley just below the charming mountain town of Barouk, birthplace of Lebanon’s national anthem and gateway to the country’s largest nature reserve, the Shouf Biosphere, there stand the remains of an old stone water mill. Though now in ruins, we were told that it was in use until 50 or 60 years ago. Despite its dilapidation, the mill doesn’t look especially old and for the most part, resembles most of Lebanon’s traditional mountain homes, low, box-like structures perfectly tailored to blend effortlessly into their surroundings. But excavations have revealed that parts of the mill are very old indeed and date back to Roman times, which means that grains may have been milled on this spot for over 2,000 years. It has been partially restored and turned into a museum of sorts but is no longer functional, as the aqueduct that brought the water that powered the grindstones, collapsed shorty after the mill fell into disuse. So now, the mill sits in lush fields, carpeted in wildflowers and is flanked by fruit orchards on three sides. A little off the (un)beaten track, it's a perfect place to sit and have a picnic lunch and then maybe a nap to the sound of flowing water and birdsong.
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