Cedars of God, Ancient cedar forest in Kadisha Valley, Lebanon.
The Cedars of God is an old forest in the Kadisha Valley in northern Lebanon, where hundreds of cedars grow above 2000 meters (6500 feet) in elevation. The largest trees show massive trunks and wide crowns that spread among rocky slopes and stony ground.
Since ancient times the forest supplied timber for ships and temples used by rulers across the Mediterranean. Centuries of harvest reduced the population until conservation efforts in the 20th century began to protect the remaining trees.
The name comes from religious texts that mention Lebanon as home to these trees, and today visitors come here to experience the link between nature and faith. Pilgrims and hikers walk among the trunks and sometimes place their hand on the rough bark, as if they could feel the centuries passing.
Access follows paths that run among the trees, and sturdy shoes help on the uneven terrain of stones and roots. The elevation brings cool temperatures even in summer, so an extra layer of clothing is useful.
The oldest specimens have crowns that spread horizontally, so the branches grow almost level and look like natural roofs. This shape forms through snow pressure in winter and the age of the trees.
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