The heart of old Tripoli is one of the most atmospheric places in Lebanon. Here, surrounded by Mamluk period buildings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, while walking through a maze of winding alleys, and negotiating thronging souqs, it is easy to feel you have been transported back in time to the Middle Ages. The city is dominated by the citadel of Raymond Saint-Gilles, and was once capital of the Crusader state of the County of Tripoli. The castle is the finest example of Crusader military architecture in the country and towers over the numerous fine mosques, khans, madrassas that nestle beneath its walls. These charming buildings are a delight to discover and often feature typical black and white banded Syrian style architecture. Inland from Tripoli is the long narrow gorge of the Qadisha Valley, a site of great natural beauty, offering beautiful mountains vistas and wonderful opportunities for hiking (summer) and skiing (winter). The valley is also the resting place of Khalil Gibran, and location of a museum dedicated to the author. UNESCO has listed the Qadisha Valley as a World Heritage Site on account of the presence of monastic communities dating from the earliest years of Christianity, and as one of the last surviving groves of Cedar Trees – Lebanon’s national symbol.