Deir Mimas, Lebanon: A Guide to Ancient Hidden Gems, Historic Monasteries & breathtaking Trails
Today's journey is unlike any other, and my walk carries a distinct flavor—one as unique as this land, as breathtaking as this region, and, most importantly, as resilient as this part of Lebanon.
Greetings from South Lebanon, from the Marjayoun District of Nabatieh Governorate, and more specifically from Deir Mimas—a village where ancient olive groves, historic monasteries, and panoramic landscapes tell the story of centuries past.
As I stand here, overlooking occupied Palestine, the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, the Litani River, and the majestic Beaufort Castle (Qalaat Shqif), I realize that Deir Mimas is more than just a picturesque village—it is a living testament to Lebanon’s deep-rooted history, culture, and resilience.
📍 Where is Deir Mimas? A Geographic & Strategic Marvel
📌 Located 90 km from Beirut, at an altitude of 550-650 meters above sea level.
🛣️ Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Beirut via the Beirut-Saida-Nabatieh highway.
🏰 Strategic Watchpoint – Overlooking valleys & borders, historically crucial for defense.
🏯 Close to Beaufort Castle – A 12th-century Crusader fortress reinforcing its historical significance.
🫒 The Olive Oil Heritage of Deir Mimas: A 4,000-Year-Old Tradition
🌳 A Land of Ancient Olive Trees
Deir Mimas is home to over 130,000 olive trees, some dating back 2,000 to 4,000 years! These trees have silently witnessed the rise and fall of empires, their twisted trunks standing as symbols of endurance and life.
🏺 What Makes Deir Mimas Olive Oil Special?
High Polyphenol Content – Exceptional antioxidant properties & health benefits 🏥.
Low Acidity – Comparable to the finest Italian 🇮🇹 & Greek 🇬🇷 olive oils.
Cold-Pressed Tradition – Using ancient techniques passed down through generations 🏡.
🏗️ Traditional Olive Presses: Preserving Centuries-Old Craftsmanship
Deir Mimas has heritage olive presses (ma’asara) that still use centuries-old stone mills, maintaining traditional methods. The result? Lebanon’s finest extra virgin olive oil, renowned for its purity & rich flavor.
🛍️ Where to Buy Authentic Olive Oil & Local Products:
Cooperative of Deir Mimas Farmers (الجمعية التعاونية في دير ميماس) – High-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Local Guesthouses & Markets – Find handmade olive oil soap, raw honey 🍯, and labneh in olive oil 🧀.
🥾 Hiking Through the Timeless Olive Groves
The descent into the village took us through the famous olive groves that have defined this land for centuries. At times, we walked between endless rows of olive trees, their twisted trunks standing resilient against time. Other times, the path led us through uncultivated terrain, where the ground, covered in small loose stones, made the hike more challenging and required careful footing to avoid slipping.
These olive trees, some estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, are more than just a source of livelihood—they are a living connection to the past. As the village priest mentioned, Deir Mimas has long been known for its exceptional olive oil production, and today, the village is home to over 130,000 olive trees. Along the way, we also passed several beekeeping sites, where locals harvest high-quality honey, another prized product of the region.
⛪ Arriving at the Heart of the Village
Finally, as we arrived at the heart of the village, we found ourselves at Sunday Mass, the church bells ringing as people gathered for prayer. It was a perfect moment, reflecting both the spiritual and cultural richness of Deir Mimas.
In addition to its fame for its traditional houses and old streets, the people of the village are known for their culture and intellectual contributions, having kept pace with the scientific and educational renaissance, earning Deir Mimas the title of "The Beacon of the South."
Back to the Wilderness: A Panoramic View of the Litani River
Then, we continued our journey, weaving through the village’s narrow stone-paved streets before heading back into the wilderness. With every step, the fragrance of the earth filled the air, creating a deep connection with the land beneath our feet.
The path led us to a long stretch of open terrain, where a wooden walkway marked the final approach. As we reached the end, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before us—an unobstructed view of the Litani River, flowing gracefully through the valley, framed by a chain of lush green mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon. It was a scene of pure serenity, where nature, history, and the soul of this land merged into one unforgettable moment.
🌳 Towards Mar Mema Monastery: A Path Through Dense Greenery
From there, we continued our journey toward Mar Mema Monastery, following a path that led us back through the dense greenery surrounding the village. The trail, mostly descending, took us through shaded areas of thick trees, offering a cool, peaceful escape.
As we approached the monastery, the landscape opened up once again, revealing its historic stone structure nestled between the mountains, just below Beaufort Castle and overlooking the Litani River. Standing at its entrance, we were greeted by the majestic thousand-year-old oak tree, a silent guardian of this sacred place, marking the end of a journey that felt like a passage through time, nature, and faith.
✝️ The Monastery of Saint Mamas: Rebuilt from the Ruins
🦁 Who Was Saint Mamas?
A 3rd-century Christian martyr from Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), known for taming a lion that was meant to kill him. His iconography always depicts him alongside a lion, symbolizing faith’s power over fear.
🏚️ A Monastery Rebuilt from the Ruins
Built in 1404 AD, the monastery is considered a spiritual beacon for Deir Mimas and the surrounding villages. The village itself takes its name from this monastery, as "Deir" means "place of worship" in Semitic languages, while "Mimas" is derived from Saint Mamas, known in Latin as "Mammas."Top of FormBottom of Form
It was destroyed multiple times, most recently during the 2006 enemy assault, where even graves were desecrated.
The priest tells of how, after the attack, when the villagers returned to harvest their olives, they did not gather only the fruit of their land—but also the scattered verses of the Holy Gospel, the shattered icons resting on branches, and the remnants of faith carried by the wind to every corner of the earth.
Thanks to His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar, the monastery was restored to its former glory.
🏛️ Must-See Highlights of the Monastery
Mosaic-Adorned Walls – Featuring verses from the Holy Gospel.
1,000-Year-Old Oak Tree – Standing as a guardian at the entrance.
🏕️ Best Hiking Trails & Outdoor Activities
Deir Mimas to Beaufort Castle Hike – A moderate 6 km trek through olive groves & limestone cliffs.
Litani River Kayaking & Nature Walks – Perfect for birdwatching & photography.
🍽️ What to Eat: Best Traditional Food in Deir Mimas & Marjeyoun
Freekeh with Chicken – Smoked green wheat with spices & caramelized onions.
Labneh in Olive Oil – A village specialty, served with fresh markouk bread.
Organic Honey & Jams – Made from local beehives & wild berries.
📅 Best Time to Visit Deir Mimas
🌸 Spring (March-May) – Ideal for hiking & wildflowers.
🍂 Autumn (Sept-Nov) – Olive harvest season, the most authentic experience.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) – A peaceful retreat with misty landscapes.
A Place Where Roots Run Deep
From this sacred land, once walked by Jesus Christ, to its 4,000-year-old olive trees, I bid you farewell—wrapped in the fragrance of its flowers and the unyielding strength of its roots, which refuse to be uprooted no matter how harsh the storms may be.
🗺️ Have you visited Deir Mimas? Share your experience in the comments!
Let’s explore, cherish, and protect Lebanon—one trail at a time.
Stay Safe & Tread Lightly
Don’t Go Solo: Always hike with a trusted companion or a professional local guide who understands the terrain. If you need help finding an authentic guide, feel free to reach out—I’ll connect you to the best, safest, and most reliable adventure experts.
Pack In, Pack Out: Carry your trash back with you. Never leave waste behind.
Respect Wildlife & Plants: Avoid stepping on or picking plants, and keep a safe distance from animals. Do not disturb or remove any natural elements.
Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to trail rules, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of fragile habitats.
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way toward preserving the places we love. Enjoy your adventure responsibly, and help keep nature pristine for future generations!
Copyright Notice and Sharing Policy
All content, including photographs and articles, is protected under copyright and is not permitted for business or commercial use. Photographs may be reposted on social media platforms only with proper credit and by tagging Nidal Majdalani’s social media accounts. Articles may be shared in their original form but cannot be copied, reproduced, or republished without prior written permission.