Batroun البترون |
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City | |
Street in Batroun
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Location within Lebanon | |
Coordinates: 34°15′0″N 35°39′0″E / 34.25000°N 35.65000°ECoordinates: 34°15′0″N 35°39′0″E / 34.25000°N 35.65000°E | |
Country | Lebanon |
Governorate | North Governorate |
District | Batroun District |
Elevation | 34 m (112 ft) |
Population | |
• Total | 45,000 |
Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
• Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
Dialing code | +961 (6) Landline |
Batroun (Greek: Βοτρύς, Botrys; Arabic: البترون, al-Batrun; Aramaic: בתרון, Bitron) is a coastal city in northern Lebanon and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the capital city of Batroun District.
The name Batroun derives from the Arabic al-Batroun, itself from the Greek, Botrys (also spelled Bothrys), which was later Latinized to Botrus. Historians believe that the Greek name of the town originates from the Phoenician word, bater, which means to cut and it refers to the maritime wall that the Phoenicians built in the sea to protect them from tidal waves. Other historians believe that the name of the town is derivative of the Phoenician words, beit truna, which translates to house of the chief.
Batroun is a major tourist destination in North Lebanon. The town boasts historic churches from Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodox. The town is also a major beach resort (knowing that batroun is one of the cleanest rock and pebble beaches in Lebanon) with a vibrant nightlife that includes pubs and nightclubs. Citrus groves surround Batroun, and the town has been famous (from the early twentieth century) for its fresh lemonade sold at the cafés and restaurants on its main street. In 2009, the Batroun International Festival was born. It started hosting leading local and international artists. The festival takes place usually in July and/or August of each year in the old harbor area.
The people of Batroun are mainly Maronite, Melkite and Greek Orthodox Christians. Batroun is a Roman Catholic (Latin rite) Titular See