Writer and artist Gibran Khalil is one of the most beloved figures in Lebanon’s history, and famous the world over for his book of fables The Prophet. During his lifetime Khalil bought a monastery in the Qadisha Valley for his retirement and wanted the hermitage within to be his final resting place. This wish was fulfilled by Khalil’s sister after his passing in 1931, and in 1975 it was resorted and turned into a museum commemorating Khalil’s extraordinary life and work.

The small museum contains a collection of Khalil’s manuscripts and paintings, and makes a pleasant place to wander around for a short while to learn about his time in both Lebanon and the USA. You can also stop by Khalil’s family home further into the centre of the village of Bcharre, where he was born and spent the first 12 years of his life. This offers visitors an insight into the humble beginnings of one of the world’s best-selling poets.