Cedars of God, Ancient cedar forest in Kadisha Valley, Lebanon.
The Cedars of God forest contains 375 cedar trees growing at altitudes above 2,000 meters with trunks reaching 14 meters in diameter.
Phoenicians, Egyptians, and other ancient civilizations used the cedar wood from these forests for shipbuilding and construction of temples throughout history.
The trees of this forest appear in numerous Biblical texts and remain a central element of Lebanese identity, featured on the national flag.
Visitors can access the forest through guided tours, which include explanations about conservation efforts and the geological formation of the area.
Each cedar tree in this forest produces a sweet-scented gum, while their crowns naturally flatten with age, creating distinct horizontal layers.
Location: Bsharri District
Location: Zgharta District
Part of: Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)
GPS coordinates: 34.24361,36.04833
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:20
These trees stand as natural monuments across the globe. Some are recognized for their age, like Old Tjikko in Sweden and Methuselah in California. Others, such as General Sherman and Hyperion, set records for size and height. The collection includes cultural landmarks like the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka and ecological wonders like the Dragon Blood Trees of Socotra. From ancient baobabs to giant sequoias, each specimen represents botanical heritage.
Lebanon offers diverse photo opportunities, from natural limestone formations at Raouché to ancient Roman ruins in Baalbek. The country features underground caves at Jeita, medieval markets in Byblos, and historic cedar forests. Religious buildings, coastal fortresses, and traditional architecture in cities like Tripoli and Beirut present cultural heritage. Natural areas include the Qadisha Valley, Bekaa Valley vineyards, and Mediterranean beaches at Palm Islands Reserve.
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