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  • Maghdouche Tour Is an Unparalleled Treat for the Tourists

    Maghdouche Tour Is an Unparalleled Treat for the Tourists

    Maghdouche Tour Is an Unparalleled Treat for the Tourists

    On the Lebanon SightSeeing Company tour, which includes Sidon – Maghdouche – Tyre, you will find that the village of Maghdouche is not just a middle station between two ancient Lebanese cities. Rather, it is an extremely important part of that tour, representing a unique paradise that is visited by unparalleled pleasure. In the next few lines, the most important characteristic of the village, which will undoubtedly make you enjoy exploring it.

    The first thing that distinguishes Maghdouche is that reaching it is not tiring at all. It is located only 50 km south of Beirut and eight km southeast of Sidon, the city that represents the first destination of the company’s tour that we have already mentioned above, which makes it a wonderful destination indeed. This and if you want to visit some sights. You have to take the highway south from Beirut and before you reach Sidon, where you will see a sign that directs you to Maghdouche, where you will surely spend the best times.

    For nature lovers, there is an opportunity to stroll down to other nearby areas in beautiful scenery. Very old trees, streams and many small caves can be seen. If you visit Maghdouche at the end of February until the beginning of March, you will notice the distinctive fragrance of orange trees. This village is famous for the orange flower being harvested and used in local products, including orange blossom water, jams and juices. At the beginning of spring, locals, farmers and families take part in picking the flower to sell or distill.

    Finally, before you leave Maghdouche, do not miss visiting one of the most famous landmarks in the village of Maghdouche. It is the place known as Our Lady of Mantara, and it is an archaeological place linked to a religious tale. It is believed that this place, which is an ancient cave, is the site in which the Lady Mary waited for her son Christ when he was preaching in those cities: Sidon, Qana and Tyre. It was discovered in 1721 by pure chance when a shepherd at the time tried to rescue a goat that had fallen into a hole.

  • Mini Guide To Maghdouche

    Mini Guide To Maghdouche

    Mini Guide To Maghdouche

    Located in South Lebanon, Maghdouche is a town with a beautiful story to tell. Recognized as an important destination for pilgrims, it is also a place where agricultural traditions remain strong and where visitors can enjoy a snapshot of true village life.

    GETTING THERE

    The town is located 50km south of Beirut and eight kilometers southeast of Saida, making it a great destination for those looking to do some sightseeing. Take the highway southbound from Beirut and exit just before you reach Saida. From there, continue on the coastal road until you see a road branch to the left, which is signposted and will direct you to Maghdouche.

    WHAT TO SEE

    • Our Lady of Mantara

    The town’s most famous landmark is the tower of Our Lady of Awaiting, known as Our Lady of Mantara. Occupying a prominent position at the entrance of the village, it is believed to be the place where Mary waited for her son Jesus Christ when he was preaching in Sidon, Cana, Tyre and Sarafand. The cave within which Mary hid was abandoned, only to be rediscovered in 1721 when a shepherd was trying to save a goat that had fallen into a hole.

    The people of Maghdouche constructed a cathedral and a modern tower above the cave in 1963. Today, it is an internationally recognized pilgrimage site.

    • Orange blossom harvest

    Visit the town at the end of February or early March and you will notice the distinct fragrance of bitter orange trees. Maghdouche is well known for harvesting the orange flower and using it in local products, including orange-blossom water, marmalades and syrups. At the onset of spring, locals, farmers and families participate in picking the flower to be sold or distilled.

    A picnic is organized every year by Lebanon Stories (+961 70 884461) to the fields of the bitter orange trees, where guests can enjoy the experience while lending farmers a hand with their harvesting.

    Hiking

    For hikers and nature lovers, there is a beautiful hike in Abra, a village located less than a 10-minute drive from Maghdouche. The easy-level hike takes in beautiful scenery. Hikers can expect to see very old trees, streams and a number of small caves. Contact Samir Sleiman (+961 3 904300) to organize a hike.

    WHERE TO EAT

    • Kroum El Chames
      A well-known spot in the area, Kroum El Chames (+961 70 655959) offers a vast selection of traditional Lebanese dishes.
    • Tabounit Seyti
      This spot serves saj, all kinds of manouche and even arguileh (+961 71 629023).
    • Family Food
      If you happen to reach Maghdouche in the morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Family Food (+961 7 200320). It’s a great spot to grab a tasty saj.
    • Luma’s Snack
      Elie Khoury, the owner of Luma’s Snack (+961 71 298940), will prepare you a delicious sandwich using special recipes at the simple cafe.

    Text and photos by Nagham Ghandour

  • MAGHDOUCHE: Beautiful Seaview, Great People, Delicious Food & Unique Zaatar

    MAGHDOUCHE: Beautiful Seaview, Great People, Delicious Food & Unique Zaatar

    MAGHDOUCHE: Beautiful Seaview, Great People, Delicious Food & Unique Zaatar