(noted
in Lebanon’s Modern History
84 km)
From Chtaura, proceed along the Damascus road to Masnaa
(border post). Just
before the post turn right, toward Rashaya.
This is where Lebanon’s early national leaders,
including Bshara El-Khoury and Riad El-Solh, were held by
French mandate authorities during the 1943 rebellion that
triggered Lebanon’s independence.
Their prison was an eighteenth century citadel that can
be visited today.
The
Lebanese Army, which is now stationed at the castle, will
assign a guide to show you around the old vaulted chambers and
the rooms where the Lebanese patriots were held.
The
town of Rashaya, in a remote corner of Lebanon, has been only
lightly touched
|
|
|
by
the modern building boom affecting most of the country. On its cobbled main street small shops sell old fashioned oil
stoves, reflecting the needs of this chilly mountain town
where the giant Mount Hermon (snow-covered six months of the
year) looms overhead. This
town is also known for its locally made gold and silver
jewellery.
On
the way to Rashaya from Chtaura try to take the route through
the hilltop town of Sultan Yaqub, where there are spectacular
views of the valley below. Turn
right at Marj and continue through Khiara toward Sultan Yaqub.
This town, visible for miles around in every direction,
also makes a good landmark. |