With roots stretching back to approximately 3000 years ago, Ehden is a town steeped in history with ancient temple ruins and churches that date back hundreds of years, including the church of Saint Mamas built in 749 A.D. Well worth visiting are the monasteries and churches hewn out of the side of the valley, in particular the Monastery of St Anthony with the first printing press in the Middle East. Today, Ehden is a hub of leisure in Lebanon, with many escaping the summer heat in the forests of Horsh Ehden or flocking to the Cedars Mountains ski slopes in winter. Known for its restaurants, resort hotels, festivals, galleries and other entertainment attractions, as well as natural beauty, Ehden draws visitors from all over the world.
Mist Hotel & Spa by Warwick - Lebanon
Khaleej Road, Al-Hamra'a, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
+961 6 560 530
reservation.mist@warwickhotels.comAl-Ferdaws
A culinary highlight of a visit to Ehden, Al-Ferdaws serves an authentic Levantine feast with dishes like kebeh, hummus, mezze and tabbouleh. Beirutians have been known to make the drive from the capital for the food and views at Al-Ferdaws.
Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve
A verdant remainder of the famed cedars of Lebanon. In addition to magnificent trees, Horsh Ehden has more than 1000 species of indigenous plants and wildlife including endangered species of eagles and wolves. A hike through the nature reserve brings visitors to beautiful gorges, with fairy-tale wild orchids, salamanders and mushrooms.
Saydet el Hosn - Lady of the Fortress
A historic church and large statue of Mary on the highest point near Ehden, offering magnificent views to the coast and inland. Visit for prayer and reflection or simply to take in the vista.
Monastery of St. Anthony of Qozhaya
One of the oldest monasteries of the Quadisha valley, the history of St. Anthony’s dates back to the 12th century. Along with admiring the beautiful mountain scenery, guests can visit the church, grotto or small museum which contains the first printing press in the Middle East, installed in the 16th century