Ain Zhalta – Nabeh el Safa is a village in the Chouf district of the Mount Lebanon Governorate, situated at altitudes between 950 and 1,980 meters above sea level. It is located 40 km from Beirut and is the second-largest municipality in Chouf by area, with a population of approximately 7,250 residents.
During winter, snow blankets the mountains and cedar forests of Ain Zhalta – Nabeh el Safa, which are part of the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, extending to the Bekaa Valley. The village has a dedicated entrance for visitors to the reserve and is a founding member of its committee. Beyond the iconic cedars, the village is also covered with dense pine forests, providing clean, fresh air and scenic beauty.
The Nabeh el Safa spring, an integral part of Ain Zhalta, flows through deep valleys, forming a lively watercourse. This spring is a vital source of potable water for Mount Lebanon villages and supports a hydroelectric power station. It also nourishes orchards and supplies water to nearby restaurants.
Ain Zhalta – Nabeh el Safa is home to seven churches representing Maronite, Greek Catholic, Evangelical Reformed, and Baptist rites. These serve as spiritual centers where worshippers seek blessings and pray. The village’s historical and cultural heritage, coupled with its exceptional natural setting, makes it a popular tourist destination. Historical structures, such as ancient bridges and water mills—some of the oldest in the district—enhance its charm.
The village is renowned for its agricultural lands and orchards, producing a variety of fruits, including apples, peaches, plums, and more.
The municipal council of Ain Zhalta – Nabeh el Safa is led by retired Colonel Naïm Saad as president, Kamal Azam as vice-president, and members: Rabih Karame, Saad Haddad, Zaher Eid, Naji Ghraychi, Samir Hamad, Elie Machnatef, Yasser Karamé, attorney Samir Zkhour, Abdallah Haddad, Rawad Kabboul, Mikhael Ghanem, Chawki Hamed, and Issam Slim.