4 Hours Around Batroun, Lebanon (Batroun Souks, Smar Jbeil Citadel & 1000-YEAR OLD ROOFLESS CHURCH)

#SmarJbeilCitadel #SmarJbeil #Batroun

In this video, we take you on a quick tour of a few things you can do in and around Batroun, Lebanon -- beginning with a stop in the quaint and ancient town of Smar Jbeil, Lebanon. This Maronite town, built high up in the hills of Northern Lebanon, possibly served as the advanced defense for Byblos long ago. Among its beautiful village homes, Smar Jbeil boasts one of the most splendid ancient Crusader Castles in Lebanon as well as an 11th century Crusader Church next to Mar Nohra Church.

The town of Smar Jbeil, also known as, Asmar Jbeil or Samar Jbeil, is truly one of Lebanon's hidden gems. Perched high up in the mountains, it is virtually untouched by tourists and even the average citizen of the country. You would be surprised at how few people have heard of Smar Jbeil, let alone make the scenic drive to visit.

After we finished visiting the Smar Jbeil Church, with its sprawling oak branches services as its roof, and the Smar Jbeil Citadel, we drove down to old town Batroun. The streets are narrow and parking in Batroun can be tricky, so its best to find a parking lot instead of trying to squeeze into the streets. We found one near St. Stephan's Church, which happens to overlook the Batroun Harbor.

Next, we walked the Batroun Souks. You'll find lots of shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants in the souks of Batroun. The food scene in Batroun is awesome. Some of the best restaurants in Batroun include Ray's, Al Bahsa, and Mariolino -- the latter is where we went for dinner in Batroun during this video.

As for great places to stay in Batroun, there are many, but if you come for a visit, check out Villa Paradiso or Casa De Thoum in nearby Thoum, Lebanon.

0:00 Introduction
0:21 1,000-Year Old Smar Jbeil Church
2:29 Smar Jbeil Castle
7:41 Drive to Batroun
8:15 St. Stephen's Church
9:00 Batroun Souks
9:42 Mariolino Batroun
10:55 SUBSCRIBE :)

Thank you for watching The Remote Traveller! If you enjoyed this video, please SUBSCRIBE :)