Jeita Cave - 50 piastre
The Jeita Grotto (مغارة جعيتا), located in the Nahr al-Kalb valley north of Beirut, is a system of two separate but interconnected limestone caves spanning nearly 9 kilometers. First rediscovered in modern times in 1836, the lower cave features a subterranean river that supplies fresh drinking water to Beirut, while the upper gallery opened to the public in 1954 contains dramatic, colossal stalactites and stalagmites, including one of the world's largest hanging stalactites. Jeita Grotto remains one of Lebanon's most famous natural wonders and a premier national tourism symbol.
To celebrate this extraordinary natural landmark, the Republic of Lebanon (الجمهورية اللبنانية) featured the cave system in its mid-20th-century pictorial definitive series. Designed by Paul Koroleff and printed in Beirut by Imp. J. Saikali, this 7.50 piastre orange issue illustrates the towering subterranean speleothems of Jeita, highlighting Lebanon's natural heritage and promoting eco-tourism to domestic and international travelers.