Embark on a guided tour through the heights and heart of Hammana, a charming village nestled in Mount Lebanon at 1,200 meters above sea level. This excursion takes you from 900 to 1600 meters in altitude.
Begin your journey on the hills, where ancient cedar trees overlook the breathtaking Lamartine Valley, named after the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine who fell in love with the landscape during his travels in the 19th century.
Continue to a remarkable geological site where marine fossils—traces of Lebanon’s ancient seabed—can be found, providing a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Then, explore wartime trenches carved into the hillsides, used successively during World War I by Ottoman forces and later by Allied troops during World War II, particularly in the Syria-Lebanon Campaign of 1941.
You descend towards the village, where there are no less than 11 churches and a mosque. You can visit the Maronite Church of Saint-Savior, built at the very beginning of the 20th century in local architecture, featuring vaulted ceilings and pointed arches.
You pass through small picturesque alleys, leading to the old souk, where traditional bakeries, small shops, and artisans keep the local heritage alive.
At the center of the village stands the abandoned Cinema Hammana, a poignant reminder of the town’s vibrant cultural past, with rows of red velvet seats still facing the dusty screen.
Your exploration continues with a stop at Hammana Artists House, a dynamic space offering residencies, exhibitions, and performances in collaboration with local and international artists. You can make a stop at the Sacred Heart Convent, a historical religious institution founded in the early 20th century, which played an important role in education and community life.
Also pass by the Mezher Palace, an iconic location in the village, overlooking the valley, where Lamartine stayed.
During this excursion, you will have the opportunity to follow a Roman road.
Depending on the places you choose to visit and the stops you make, the hike can range from 8 to 12 km and last from two to three hours.
This tour blends nature, history, and culture, offering an authentic and unforgettable experience in one of Lebanon’s most picturesque mountain villages.