The origin of the town’s name is Phoenician, meaning “the blessed.” A distinguishing feature of Barouk is its renowned cedar forest, which has been designated one of Lebanon’s nature reserves. Its various springs and open-air restaurants have added to the touristic appeal of the area, along with its status as the birthplace of the Lebanese poet, Rachid Nakhleh (composer of Lebanon’s National Anthem), whose burial place is frequented by tourists.

TOURISTIC & NATURAL SITES

A protected Area in Barouk (SBR), it is one of the wider nature reserves in Lebanon, stretching from Dahr al-Baydar in the north to the Niha Mountain in the south. It is covered by forests of oak on the slopes to the north-east, and oak and juniper forests on the south-eastern slopes.

Three more wonderful cedar forest attractions:

- Contemporary Chouf

- Barouk

- Ain Zhalta, Bmehra

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These forests represent a quarter of the remaining cedar forests in Lebanon, and some trees are estimated to be around 2500 years old. The preserved land of the Barouk village helps make it a good location for medium-sized mammals, such as wolves and forest cats, and various plants to thrive.