Rashaya

Rashaya راشيا is a town in Lebanon. Rashaya al-Wadi or Rachaya el-Wadi as it was known is the site of ancient temples built by the Qaraoun culture, Phoenicians, the Romans, and other civilisations and cultures such as that have conquered the region and enjoyed the fertile soil of the Bekaa Valley. The Rashaya citadel or Citadel of Independence is a popular attraction and a national monument

Get in

See

Visiting in the ruins of Rashaya is free.

• Rashaya temple. 1st century A.D. (updated Jul 2020)
• 1 Rashaya Citadel. Built as a palace by the Shihab family in the 18th century. The citadel placed a prominent role in fight against the French Mandate, earning it its alternate name, Citadel of Independence. (updated Jul 2020)

Buy

The small souk in the middle of the town offers various shops selling local crafts and inexpensive goods. There is a goldsmith's shop selling an assortment of gold and silver jewelry in Byzantine and other styles.

Sleep

El-Sahili guesthouse is spacious (sleeps 5-6) and costs around USD30-40 per night.

• 1 Bellavista, Rachaya Near the Saraya, ☏ +961 8 595676 , +961 3 504905, eldon.zgheib@gmail.com. Offers a panoramic view of Rashaya. (updated Aug 2015)

Go next

The neighbouring village of Kfar Qouq has some interesting ancient ruins, at just 12km.