Zahle is an attractive red-roofed city set among the eastern foothills of Mount Sannine, 45 km east of the capital Beirut. Snow capped mountains tower above it in winter, while in summer its 945-metre elevation keeps the air light and dry. It is the only predominant Christian city in the Middle East and is well known for its old churches, outdoor restaurants and unique food. The city centre spreads along both banks of the Bardouni River, with the older section of town on the upper elevations of the west bank and the shopping district on the east bank. Zahle was founded about 300 years ago in an area whose past reaches back some five millennia. In the early 18th century the new town was divided into three separate quarters, each of which had its own governor. The city enjoyed a brief period as the region's first independent state in the 19th century when it had its own flag and anthem.

Zahle is famous for its grapes and has been making wine since antiquity. There are several wineries to visit, some of which produce wines that are internationally renowned. There’s plenty of interesting buildings to see including Geha House, a restored 17th century private residence, and the Serail, a government house built in 1885 that fuses European and Ottoman architectural styles.