Horsh Beirut — Attraction in Mazraa

When I was a kid, this place was nothing but a barren desert—no trees, no greenery, just open land. That was in the late '80s, during the war. Today, I returned to hike, and it’s completely transformed. The park, which only has one entrance, is now filled with trees and shaded areas. It’s great to see so many people enjoying it—picnicking all around, which made for a very pleasant atmosphere. It’s clear that the park is well-utilized, and that’s always nice to see.

There are two trails to choose from: the gravel road, which, if I’m not mistaken, they’re preparing to pave, and the red-sand side trail, which is much smoother and easier on the feet, especially if you’re not wearing proper hiking shoes. I did the full loop of the park in about 25 minutes, but keep in mind, I’m a fast walker.

It’s definitely worth a visit—centrally located with free entry. I’m not sure if they have washroom facilities, as I didn’t check. Parking is along the main road and free, but finding a spot...

Horsh Beirut Lying between Badaro area, Kaskas, and facing the Hippodome, Horsh Beirut is Beirut's biggest breathing area and park. A public property since the Ottoman times, Horsh Beirut was rehabilitated in 1992 at the end of the civil war with the help of Region Ile de France, but has been closed since 2002. The municipality justifies its decision by stating that the park isn’t yet equipped.

The pine park- Horsh el Sanawbar- as it's also called, was a part of Beirut pine forest: 1250000m2 in 1969 to 800000m2 in 1967; today it’s a triangular shape around 300,000m2, of which 30,000m2 are open for public use. Horsh Beirut is packed with pine trees. With a playground for children, tennis courts, basketball courts, football fields, picnic tables and lots of open green space to run and play, the Pine Forest is filled with acres of outdoor entertainment. At present time, structure and renovation work is being conducted in order to prepare the Horsh's opening...

The only place in Beirut where you really feel connected with nature. We DESPERATELY need these green areas to be extended widely and multiplied all over the capital and the whole country. Enough of concrete and skyscrapers! Not much flowers yet (some bird of paradise plants, Lantana, etc. ). Mainly filled with pine and olive trees but also Arbutus unedo (the strawberry tree called arbousier in French), pepper plants "poivrier", bougainvillea trees, mushrooms, cacti, etc. The place is well maintained and taken care of. It is very clean during the week, too crowdy during weekends. This miniature forest gives you a unique Mediterranean feeling inexperienced anywhere else in the world. It is definitely a priceless treasure to be preserved and EXPANDED by us for the future generations. Let it grow, let it grow,...