Batroun

Batroun (Greek: Βοτρύς, Botrys; Arabic: البترون‎, al-Batrun; Aramaic: בתרון‎, Bitron) is a coastal city in northern Lebanon and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the capital city of Batroun District.

Etymology

The name Batroun derives from the Arabic al-Batroun, itself from the Greek, Botrys (also spelled Bothrys), which was later Latinized to Botrus. Historians believe that the Greek name of the town originates from the Phoenician word, bater, which means to cut and it refers to the maritime wall that the Phoenicians built in the sea to protect them from tidal waves. Other historians believe that the name of the town is derivative of the Phoenician words, beit truna, which translates to house of the chief.

Tourism

Batroun is a major tourist destination in North Lebanon. The town boasts historic churches from Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodox. The town is also a major beach resort (knowing that batroun is one of the cleanest rock and pebble beaches in Lebanon) with a vibrant nightlife that includes pubs and nightclubs. Citrus groves surround Batroun, and the town has been famous (from the early twentieth century) for its fresh lemonade sold at the cafés and restaurants on its main street.