The paleontological sites of Lebanon contain deposits of some of the best-preserved fossils in the world, and include some species found nowhere else. Some fossils date back to the Jurrassic period.
There are three major fossil locations in Lebanon: Sahel Alma, Hajula and Hakel. The landscape of Lebanon has been subject to volcanic eruptions, tectonic plate movement, and the rising and dropping of sea levels. The Late Cretaceous was characterized by very high sea levels. During that time fossil-bearing limestone was formed.
In Haqel two main shops and museums that welcome the visitors.
The collection and quarries of Rizkallah Nohra: Hakel Museum
Established in 1991, the Haqel Museum is the first natural history museum dedicated to marine fossils in Lebanon. The museum is located in a Traditional Lebanese village house, restored by Mr. Nohra. You can walk toward the museum, participate in extracting fossils, and then have lunch in the museum open air restaurant and purchase fossils at the museum. Mrs. Bernadette Nohra: (79/154 725);
Mr. Roy Nohra: (03/708 287)
The collection of Charbel and Linda Nohra: Haklany Fish fossils
Visitors can buy fish fossils and admire the collections in the shop. Visits to the quarry can be organized as well, year-round, except in bad weather. A 15-minute walk is necessary to reach the site of the quarry.
Mrs. Linda Nohra (03/604 969 – 09/ 770 428)