El-Qaa was known as a flat plain land throughout the years. In the Middle Ages, El-Qaa scenery and different aspects were mentioned in the book “Introduction to knowledge of wound and adaptation” which preserved its history all over the past years. This village is famous for its honey production that also reached the capital, Beirut. El-Qaa was first populated during the eighth century. Its strategic location on the border line between Lebanon and Syria transformed it into a trade path very active during each era of the History.
Today, El-Qaa, is a great example of the coexistence where the churches bells ring in synergy with the prayers of the mosques. The thirst of knowledge of its citizens pushed them to pursue their education in its public and private schools such as: Beqaa School for complimentary and secondary grades as well as the technical school.
El-Qaa on the map
El-Qaa is located on the northern border of Baalbek Casa in the Governorate of Baalbek – Hermel. Syria and Hermel cover its northern and eastern frontiers whereas Rass Baalbek cover its southern ones. El-Qaa’s altitude is 552m in its lowest point and 1621m in its peak one. Its strategic location between Anti-Lebanon mountain range and the Assi River made Al-Qaa famous for its hot semiarid summer and its cold winter.
Main Characteristics of El-Qaa
El-Qaa enjoys a trade open air market located next to an incredible natural lake where the business mind meets the unique landscape. In addition, the railway of the train station that passes there displays the key moments of the History that left their marks until today. El-Qaa also offers an exceptional religious aspect attracting local and foreigners tourists from around the globe to visit its main churches, mainly the Monastery of the Lady of Hill, Saint Georges Church, Saint Charbel Church, Saint Elias Church and Saint Maroon Monastery. What also marks El-Qaa, are the Roman and Ottoman ruins and monuments that engrave the ancient civilizations in this village. Moreover, the old houses made of mud and thatch, representing the old Lebanese way of life welcome you warmly till this current day while visiting the village.