At about 30 kilometers from Beirut, in Aley, Rechmaya stands in pride and beauty on a cliff overlooking the valley and surrounded by scenic views of green mountains.
The name Rechmaya comes from the Syriac origin “Rish Mayo” meaning “the source” and that could possibly be due to the town’s river and waterfall.
The serene landscape of the village gives a clean and relaxing escape from the pollution and worries of the city, and its natural environment makes it a perfect destination for hikers and campers.
A village of charming traditional houses, it is also worth visiting for its religious heritage: The Mar Kyriakos church (Saint-Cyr) dates back to 1683, the monastery Mar Youhanna el Maamadane was founded in 1686, and the convent Mar Elias dates back to the 17th century.
Rechmaya is also home to many restaurants and architectural sites, including the power station in the valley near the river, one of the first hydroelectric power stations in the country.
