Zahle

Zahle is the capital of Bekaa, the valley region between Syria and the coast. It's most famous site is the tower of Mary the Mother of Jesus in the 1st picture. She looks over the city as a protector. In one hand she holds grapes; in the other wheat. Both are symbols for the Bekaa valley which is a rich agricultural region.
The 2nd picture is a street scene along the Berdawni River that runs through town. This is a busy summer promenade. So you can tell it's well off season as most shops are closed for the winter. The 3rd picture is of a small chapel at the foot the the Mary Tower. I particularly like the glass wall overlooking the valley.
The last 2 pictures are both taken from the top of the Mary Tower. The 4th looks over Zahle in the same direction that the statue faces, and the 5th takes a longer look over the Bekaa valley.Read more