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5 Places You’ll Love Visiting in the Old Village of
Sawfar | A Journey into the Lavish Past of Mount Lebanon
March 3, 2021
As you crawl up the Damascus highway from Beirut, a 30 minute ride
separates you from an abandoned hidden gem embedded in the heart of the
mountain, the old village of Sawfar. Overlooking the mystical mountains of the
Metn region and the Hammana Lamartine valley, it stands almost midways between
the coast of Lebanon and the Syrian borders giving it a strategic location. At
an altitude of 1300m above sea level, Sawfar has always been a well-known
touristic destination for Arab visitors escaping the heat of the desert in the
summer, enjoying the luxury of its stone villas, hotels and breath-taking
scenery.
Known for its heavy snowstorms and chilly nights, Sawfar is almost a
ghost town in winter. It is probably named after the whistling wind for that
reason.
Sawfar is an indispensable
destination for fans of urban exploration, photography, local history or simply
those who enjoy beautiful scenery. Below are some of the best activities in
Sawfar that are guaranteed to make it a worthwhile visit.
Take a look at the Old Railway
Station:
One of the most remarkable
milestones in the history of Lebanon and the Middle East, the railway station
stands as a monument. It was built by the Ottomans in 1880 and since then
Sawfar and the region began to flourish under its influence. This station lies
on the old railway that once connected Beirut and Houran passing through the
Bekaa Valley.
Engulfed with greenery the
station overlooks the Lamartine valley making it the prefect attraction for
photographers and history enthusiasts. Visiting the railway station at Sawfar
reminds you of the forgotten pleasant side of Lebanon and its rich culture. You
can’t pass through the village without noticing the railway.
Visit Sursock’s Nostalgic Donna
Maria Residence:
Wrecked and looted during the
civil war of 1975, the nearly abandoned villa still receives many visitors who
seek to hold wedding and graduation photo sessions within the stone walls of
its garden. Entrance to the villa is totally free unless you are willing to
rent it as a venue for celebrations or wedding events. It is also a great
destination for urban exploration, especially if you have a nostalgic anima.
You are going to be captivated by its arched façade and sophisticated
architecture!
Walk through the chambers of the
Majestic Grand Hotel:
It once housed Lebanon’s first
casino. As you walk through the halls of the wrecked Grand Hotel of Sawfar you
can almost feel the swaying spirits of exotic dancers and hear the hysterical
laughter of drunken gamblers break the silence of oblivion. Exploring the rooms
of this elaborate building feels like a trip into the hedonistic past of
Lebanon’s golden age.
Also constructed by the Sursock
family in 1890 – an architectural wonder of its day, it is located across the
railway station making it a retreat for rich artists and history’s most
influential figures.
As you walk in the bar and kitchen of the hotel, you can still see the old glassware used to serve visitors when business was at its peak. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a cup
General Catroux or Edward Spears sipped coffee from while negotiating the
independence of Lebanon.
Even though the hotel lies in ruins nowadays, it is always ready to receive artists who would like to show their work as an art reception venue.
For an urban explorer who would like to delve into an overwhelming experience, climbing up the aged stairway to the roof for an aerial view of the village can’t be missed.
Feast on the Terrace
of Al Tholouj Restaurant:
Rambling through the stone
houses, you will need to replenish your energy because the journey is far from
over. Al Tholouj restaurant – one of few – offers an astounding view of the
Lamartine valley and the famous promenade to feast your eyes and mouth! They
offer an international menu as well as several exquisite Lebanese dishes.
When you’re not up to a heavy
meal, small bakeries offer an array of the tastiest Lebanese pastries around
town. The hospitable villagers of Sawfar always welcome you with a broad smile
and a warm heart.
Take the famous
Lovers’ Road of Sawfar:
The most known facet of the
village, the corniche is a long avenue stretching through the town of Sawfar,
adorned with ornate stone villas and mansions. It is the perfect place for a
walk probably after a heavy meal with loved ones. The route is very convenient
for cycling or walking a dog too! But try to avoid it at night if you mind
being disturbed.
Sawfar’s boulevard is my favourite place there in all seasons. I can dash through the mist under a snow dressed tree-line in winter; surround myself with a refreshing atmosphere of
heavenly greenery in spring, while in autumn I’m flooded with a warm spectrum
of fiery colours that are so satisfying for the eye and camera lens. Below the
jostling leaves, the sky exhibits a magical view of the sunset above Lamartine.
When in luck, I might be able to capture the sun sinking under a carpet of
clouds on days when the summer fog fails to reach the high peaks of this dreamy
village. Witnessing this, I feel like I’m on top of the world!
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