Culture And Heritage
In every corner of Ras Baalbek there is a witness to its rich heritage, especially the rocks where proofs are carved over time about the population’s stories.
The monastery of Our Miraculous Lady of Ras Baalbek contains a rock where the imperial roman cross encircled by laurel wreath is engraved. This is proof that the town adopted Christianity. In addition, some icons contain drawings proving that Bishop “Dadas” signed the "Chalcedonian document" verifying that Virgin Mary is the mother of the Christ.
Ras Baalbek is said to be the cradle of Christianity in the region. It is said that Saint Barbara lived in Ras Baalbek in her youth and she became Christian at an early age, which led her father to kill her. Therefore, a church was built in her name on the ruins of a pagan roman temple knows as Baalbek Jupiter temple. The stones in the temple are still untouched and uncut.
As for education, the citizens of the town were knowledge and education seekers. Missionaries and the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts School played a major role in educating a big number of the town’s boys and girls.
Saadallah Mansour Press
It is a touristic site that was used to produce molasses for more than 200 years. It is the last of old presses in the region and hasn’t stopped its production until its owner Saadallah Mansour died in 1996. Mansour managed the press very well and aside owning the press, he was a dentist that used to treat the town’s citizens. His clinic was the oldest dentist clinic in the town.
Roman Water Channels
During the pagan Roman era that started around 23 BC, Ras Baalbek was known as “Konakora”, meaning the city of channels. At the beginning of this era, Roman channels were dug and they are still present under the town, between 5 and 10 meters underground where water is located. Water was reachable to households through wells.
Mills Ruins
At the top of mountains around Ras Baalbek, water used to flow from Laboue for 15 km to irrigate the agricultural lands of El-Kaa, therefore dozens of mills were constructed. All that’s left of them now are ruins bringing back old memories.
The House Of Junaid Rahhal
The house was built in 1947 in the center of the old town near the church of Saint Elian, at the hands of constructors from Harissa.
The House Of Mr. Boutros Rizk
The house was built according to the traditional architecture of Ras Baalbek’s houses. Its lower floor is characterized by arches under which people used to sit on a large stone adjacent to the wall. The upper floor was used to welcome guests during summer.
Nazih Ghadban
Ras Baalbek is proud of its citizens who excel in different fields. Nazih Ghadban is one of them and he masters the manufacturing of the oriental musical instrument, Oud. He started making the instrument in 1976 and he was curious to know more about it.
