The municipal council of Kfarmatta in coordination with SPNL, declared in 2019 the municipal land of the village as Hima for sustainable use such as ecotourism, land zonation and sustainable reforestation of pine trees. This 0.1392 km2 Hima consists of a faunal diverse trail where many different types of plants can be found, such as some medicinal plants, pine trees and some deciduous trees. From hiking options to an abandoned silk mill and a number of resorts, there is much more to this town than one might expect. It’s an area with an ecological richness and a historical aspect, therefore an interesting place to be protected under the Hima concept.
30 July 2019 was an important day for SPNL welcoming Kfarmatta’s municipal council decree to declare the village as Hima. The municipal council, led by Mr. Nazir Khaddaj, was proactive in declaring part of the municipal land as Hima for sustainable use such as ecotourism, land zonation and sustainable reforestation of pine trees.
The Hima will be established in coordination between the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon, and the municipality.
KfarMatta (كفرمتى) is a Lebanese local authority which is located in Aaley District (Qada’a), an administrative division of Mount Lebanon Governorate(Mohafazah).
From lush hiking options to an abandoned silk mill and a number of resorts, there is much more to this town than one might expect.
Let’s take a walk to see what makes Kfar Matta so special.
‘Al-Fuzer’ – Damour River hiking
Hiking is a must in Kfar Matta. Take an agricultural trail filled with the pine and olive trees that the village is known for. Stroll through the Mazraat Kfar Matta farms, where you can have a picnic before passing under “Al-Fuzer,” a naturally formed rock fissure between two mountains that lets the sunlight peek through. This breathtaking passage leads to the Damour River, where you can enjoy a swim in peaceful waters.
Those interested in hiking can look up routes online and find their own way or ask the municipality for a guide – to do so, visit the municipal office in person or call 05-210-120 or 05-210-916. The Aura Resort expects to start announcing hiking trips on its Facebook page at the end of this month.
Abandoned silk mill
Built in 1860, the now-abandoned silk mill was one of the oldest and biggest mills in Lebanon.
Framed by sandstone walls, the structure’s floors are littered with broken red shingles.
Trees have taken over the interior of the building, the roof has crumbled and most of the upper floor has collapsed. A visit to the abandoned silk mill will be sure to take you on a trip to the past.
