By Raghida Haddad Editor-in-chief of Al Hima magazine
Kfarmatta is a beautiful village in the Aley District, located in Mount Lebanon Governorate. Its name in Syriac means “The Village of Matta”, and its recorded history dates back approximately six centuries. However, it has been inhabited for more than two thousand years, as evidenced by the presence of Phoenician and Roman sarcophagi in its western outskirts. The village is surrounded by pine forests and olive groves and enjoys a remarkable geographic location, offering breathtaking views of the entire Chouf region, from the Cedar forests to the Mediterranean coastline, while the Damour River flows through its valley.
Kfarmatta’s climate is mild in both summer and winter, with abundant sunshine throughout the day, while the Al-Areed plateau protects it from northern winds. The village boasts distinctive natural and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for mountain tourism and nature hiking. It is renowned for its olive, grape, and citrus cultivation, and its fertile soil produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The village is dominated by lush greenery, with forest lands covering approximately 50% of its area and agricultural lands about 20%, characterized by centuries-old terraced fields.
In 2019, the municipal council of Kfarmatta approved the establishment of a Hima (protected area) in the village’s communal land, in collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). The initiative aims to regulate sustainable land use and conserve natural resources. The Hima includes the Al-Areed Forest, which was recently cleaned, pruned, and equipped with hiking trails and firebreaks for protection.
Many of the conservation and eco-tourism activities within the Hima of Kfarmatta are supported through the EU-funded BioConnect project, which seeks to enhance biodiversity conservation while promoting sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. With this funding, efforts have been made to develop eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, create awareness programs, and empower local stakeholders to engage in conservation-friendly livelihoods.
Agriculture in Kfarmatta
Kfarmatta possesses a unique agricultural advantage, with elevations ranging from 150 to 750 meters above sea level, allowing the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, including olives, grapes, carob, citrus, fruit trees, and all types of local vegetables.
Historically, villagers relied on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood, particularly in olive and olive oil production. They were largely self-sufficient, embodying the proverb: “A self-sufficient farmer is a hidden king.” Most villagers owned fertile lands and olive groves, but in recent decades, many fields and orchards have been neglected as people migrated to cities or abroad.
Revitalizing agriculture could encourage villagers to stay in their hometown, bring back hundreds of families, and create job opportunities for youth. With proper development, Kfarmatta could become self-sufficient in agricultural products and a center for food industries. Investing in agriculture would significantly improve the livelihood of nearly 1,000 families in the village.
Sustainable Tourism in Kfarmatta
For years, Kfarmatta has held a prominent position on Lebanon’s rural and eco-tourism map. The municipality, in collaboration with the local community, is working to enhance tourism development. The village offers great potential for sustainable tourism, attracting visitors eager to explore its natural, cultural, and historical sites, as well as engage in activities such as:
- Mountain biking
- Swimming in mountain pools
- Hiking and trekking
- Camping and olive picking
- Attending the Olive Festival and the “From the Past” Exhibition
Major Tourist Attractions in Kfarmatta
🔹 Silk Factory: Built around 1860, it was one of the largest silk factories in Lebanon, exporting high-quality silk to Europe. It ceased operations in the 1960s after synthetic silk became widespread. Despite significant damage during the civil war, it remains a historical landmark deserving restoration by the Directorate of Antiquities and UNESCO.
🔹 Al-Fizr Gorge: A breathtaking geological formation with two towering rock walls so high that the sky is visible only at their peaks. It leads to a beautiful valley with ancient mills and a stunning river view, attracting hikers from across Lebanon and beyond.
🔹 Sarcophagi: Ancient rock-cut tombs, used by the Phoenicians and Romans to bury their dead, are scattered across Kfarmatta, particularly in the Qabr Habnjar area. These tombs merit anthropological study and preservation efforts.
🔹 Al-Areed Forest: A magnificent forest located on a scenic plateau, offering a panoramic view of the Chouf region, from the sea to the Cedar Reserve.
🔹 Ancient Olive Trees: Kfarmatta is one of Lebanon’s largest olive-producing villages. Many centuries-old olive trees still produce high-quality olives and oil.
🔹 Damour River: Flowing through Kfarmatta’s valley, the river still has old water mills once used by villagers for grinding wheat and producing homemade bread.
🔹 Mountain Pools, Chalets, and Restaurants: Kfarmatta has recently gained fame for mountain swimming spots, offering visitors a refreshing experience, delicious food, and warm hospitality.
🔹 Hiking Trails: The municipality has established two main hiking trails—one in Al-Areed Forest (4 km long) and another along the riverbank (6 km long).
🔹 Horseback Riding: Al-Adham Equestrian Club, located amidst nature and olive groves, offers horseback riding lessons and training.
🔹 Historic Churches: The village is home to Saint George Orthodox Church and Saint Elias Maronite Church, where worshippers gather for Sunday Mass and religious celebrations.
🔹 Annual Festivals: Kfarmatta hosts the Olive Festival, the “From the Past” Exhibition, and evening celebrations for the Feast of the Assumption and Saint Elias.
Wildlife in Kfarmatta
Kfarmatta’s diverse flora is characteristic of the Euro-Mediterranean ecosystem, including oak, Aleppo pine, juniper, hawthorn, pistachio, strawberry tree, and Syrian maple. Along the Damour River, trees such as plane, willow, oleander, and mint thrive. The area is also home to a wide variety of ferns, mosses, lichens, and fungi.
The village also supports rich wildlife, including mammals such as hedgehogs, field mice, hares, porcupines, squirrels, foxes, jackals, and wild boars. Reptiles include tortoises, lizards, chameleons, and several snake species, while amphibians like salamanders, green toads, and tree frogs also inhabit the area.
Moreover, Kfarmatta is an important stopover for migratory birds. Of the 404 recorded bird species in Lebanon, 157 species (39%) have been observed in Kfarmatta, including 31 resident species, 34 summer breeders, and 90 migratory species. However, illegal hunting remains a major threat to these birds, highlighting the urgent need for regulated hunting activities and conservation awareness.
The Endangered Hyrax
A few years ago, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) submitted an official complaint to the Minister of Environment regarding illegal hunting of the rock hyrax—a rare, socially structured mammal that is more closely related to elephants than rodents. The hyrax contributes to ecosystem balance by feeding on specific plant species and promoting forest regeneration.
Unfortunately, its numbers have drastically declined in Lebanon due to overhunting. The species is protected in reserves like the Shouf Cedar Reserve and Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, but greater conservation efforts are needed to ensure its survival.
Kfarmatta is more than just a picturesque mountain village—it is a living model of harmony between nature, history, and sustainable tourism. By preserving its agricultural heritage, forests, and biodiversity, Kfarmatta can continue to thrive as a premier eco-tourism destination and a flourishing natural sanctuary for generations to come.
Some photos sourced from Live Love Kfarmatta.
