Beit Mery
Overlooking the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, the town of Beit Mery has been a summer, mountain resort since the times of the Romans. Beit Mery occupies a hill, 800 meters above sea level, which gives the picturesque town spectacular views of the Beirut peninsula and the Mediterranean coast. The town is known for its ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins as well as the historic Maronite Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, which was built in in 1750.[1]
The Roman emperors who ruled Lebanon had made Beit Mery their summer resort due to its high location and pleasant summer weather. The town continues to be a major summer resort in Lebanon with a large number of famous hotels, most notably Al Bustan and Printania. Lush pine forests surround the town and restaurants with panoramic views of the valleys and the sea make Beit Mery a favorite summer spot.[2]
In winter, the town is also the scene of an annual cultural festival held at the Al Bustan hotel that features international drama and dance groups as well as orchestras and chamber ensembles.
The inhabitants of Beit Mery are Christian Lebanese, mostly Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Armenian Orthodox.