(Feudal Architecture 43 km)
Salima
is
reached
via
Baabdat
on
a
road
that
winds
down
through
an
unspoiled
valley
then
up
to
the
opposite
hillside.
Continue
to
the
top
of
the
town
where
many
old
structures
still
stand,
most
in
an
advanced
state
of
ruin.
The
main
attraction
is
Salima
Palace,
a
Druze
fortress
of
the
Abillama
Emirs
built
in
1721
by
The grandiose main entrance comes into view first as you approach a prominent bend in the road. The main portal is enclosed in an ornate arabesque molding with two lions flanking the central arch. Above the portal is the old "diwan" or reception room. The road then takes you to the top level where it is possible to enter the house and explore some of its rooms and the upper courtyard.
Salima also has several old churches. Probably the oldest, built in 1684, is on the lower level. A tour around the town will reveal a considerable number of houses contemporary with the castle, most without roofs. But despite their condition, these buildings make the entrance to Salima a unique and dramatic sight.
(BYBLOS - JEITA GROTTO - TRIPOLI - SIDON - ZAHLÉ - BAALBECK)
(THE CEDARS - TYRE - BEITEDDINE - AANJAR)
EGYPT - SYRIA - JORDAN