Marjayoun

Marjayoun is in South Lebanon.

This town has seen a lot of war since its existence, from the Crusades to WWII entanglements between British/Australian forces and Vichy France, to the 1982 Lebanon War and conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. But the location is appealing, situated in the fertile Jordan Rift Valley with a view of Mount Hermon to the east.

• 33.3244935.532161 Beaufort Crusader Castle (22 km southwest of Marjayoun via Marjayoun - Bint Jbeil Nabatiyeh - Marjayoung Roads). The Crusaders put on a good front here, but were ultimately defeated by Saladin in 1190 and then even more definitively by Sultan Baibars in 1268. Ironically, it ended up also becoming a military stronghold and target between the PLO and IDF in more modern times. A great medieval castle to explore.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 33.3608935.625232 Mahatma Gandhi Park. Garden with Gandhi statue to commemorate the Indian regiment that assisted the UN's peacekeeping effort in Southern Lebanon.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 33.3617835.589713 St. Peter Cathedral. 19th-century church.  (updated Oct 2020)

• 33.368835.64171 Oakland Nature Park, Rachaiya - Marjaayoun Rd. Zoo, go-kart rides, kabobs on the grill, duckpond.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 33.3983135.658312 Al Sawana Park and swimming pool (منتزه و مسبح الصوانة), ☏ +961 71 240 880. A pool among orchards.  (updated Oct 2020)

• 33.3212935.528921 Kalaa Resort (just a 1/2 km or so south of Beaufort Castle), ☏ +961 7 571 444. Hotel with restaurant and terrace.  (updated Oct 2020)