Baabdat


Baabdat is a town located in the Matn District of Mount Lebanon, 22 km from Beirut at an altitude ranging between 600 and 1100 meters above sea level. The lush pine forests that surround the town make it a very popular summer resort for those escaping the busy coastal cities of Lebanon, especially the capital, Beirut. The town's proximity to Brummana, one of Mount Lebanon's most active summer destinations, makes Baabdat a major tourist destination in the summer.

Demography

The inhabitants of Baabdat are members either of the Maronite Catholic Church, or the Roman Catholic Church.

Etymology

The name "Baabdat" is derivative of the Aramaic words, beit abdutha, meaning "the home of adoration." The Aramaic name refers to an ancient temple that was built by the Phoenicians to worship the ancient Canaanite, Greek and later Roman gods.

History

When Lebanon was part of the Roman Empire, Baabdat was the center of wood choppers who transported trees to Beirut for use in ship construction.

Notables from Baabdat

Baabdat is the birthplace of Lebanon's former president, Émile Lahoud, politician Nassib Lahoud, film director Carmen Labaki, director and actress Nadine Labaki and the father of director and actress Salma Hayek.

Notables who live in Baabdat

Although a native of Beirut, Maxime Chaya moved to Baabdat where he now lives year-long with his children Edgard and Kelly.

Religious Structures

Like most mountain villages of Lebanon, Baabdat is home to numerous, historic churches, monasteries and convents.