Ras el Matn

Ras el Matn or (Ra's al Matn) (Arabic:رأس المتن) : a Lebanese town and municipality in Qadaa Baabda (Baabda district) of Mount Lebanon Governorate. The town is located between 800-1000 metres above sea level in the western steep slopes of Mount Lebanon, in the upper Matn (Al Matn al A'la) section. The town has a population of nearly 10,000 inhabitants who are Maronites and Druze.

The main attraction of Ras el Matn is its natural location giving a spectacular view to the western sections of el Matn and the Mediterranean sea.

The most notable building inside the town is the historical Serail of the Lam'iyin princes built in 1775. There is also an old arched façade in the lower parts of the town.Many grottos are located in the steep pine-clad slopes above the town, giving visitors and hikers superb views westwards.

The town is a major source of pine nuts due to stone pine ("Pinus pinea") woods covering the area.

Ras el Matn is also the birthplace of Lebanese writer Anis Freiha.

External links

* [http://ras-elmatnws.pipop.org/ Ras al Matn women society]