Qartaba (Arabic: قرطبا, Syriac: ܩܪܛܒܐ, also spelled Kartaba or Artaba) is a town in the mountains of the Byblos District of the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon.

Qartaba extends between the municipal borders of Almat el Jnoubiye to the northwest, Balhoss to the west, Qorqaiya to the southwest, Janne to the south, Deir Mar Sarkis to the east, and Mazraat es-Siyad to the northeast.

Silk manufacturing flourished and in 1918 as the town boasted seven silk-spinning factories, employing around five hundred workers, and its residents raised silkworms for this industry.

The diaspora of Qartaba's residents has spread worldwide, reaching countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, and notably South America, including Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.

Archaeological findings around the site include remnants of old houses with stones engraved with stars, crescent shapes, and serpents, potentially signifying ancient cultural or spiritual symbols.

[12] West of the main structure, a Winepress and a large pressing vat carved into the rock are visible, along with a sarcophagus believed to contain multiple burial sites.

While the town may lack grand ancient monuments, the Hadrianic inscriptions scattered across its surroundings offer valuable insight into the Roman influence in the area, making it a point of interest for historians and archeologists alike.

Spring brings mild warmth and moderate rain, nurturing lush greenery and vibrant blooms before the return of dry summer months.

These trees range from oak and sycamore to wild mulberry and the rare Lebanese pine, which was commonly used in the past to build houses with earthen roofs.

The area offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers and nature enthusiasts.

The biggest families in Qartaba, per order, are: Karam, Khoury, Challita, Sokhen, Beyrouthy, Sakr, Atallah, Salem, Cherfan, and Lahoud.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a selection of local restaurants, which offer a taste of the region's culinary delights, along with Toubia's Bakery, famous for its delicious Lahem b aajeen.

Many visitors choose to stay in Qartaba while venturing out to nearby attractions, such as the picturesque villages of Laqlouq and Aqoura, or the stunning Afqa Cave.

[21] In Qartaba, the community is represented by six elected Mukhtars, ensuring robust local governance and effective communication between residents and municipal authorities.

It attracts a diverse array of attendees, including political, military, judicial, and religious figures, as well as social media influencers, municipal presidents, and notable personalities from Qartaba and the Byblos District.

The local community, comprising people of all ages, comes together to create vibrant exhibition boards showcasing traditional Lebanese music, art and culture.

Organized by Kartaba Club, the festival features prominent Lebanese artists, such as Melhem Barakat, Georges Wassouf, Wael Kfoury, Ragheb Alama, and Najwa Karam.

The event not only showcases the rich musical heritage of Lebanon but also significantly boosts tourism in the region, attracting visitors and creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with performances and cultural experiences.

Many of these structures are constructed with local limestone, which not only lends a natural, earthy hue to the exteriors but also provides thermal insulation suited to Lebanon’s climate.

Balconies with ornate ironwork, vaulted ceilings, and large arched doors are common elements, contributing to an open and welcoming atmosphere.

The interiors often include high ceilings and thick walls, designed to regulate temperature, creating cool spaces during the summer and warmth in the winter.

Unlike in some areas where unfinished buildings or neglected properties may disrupt the visual harmony, Qartaba is characterized by a distinct sense of order and beauty.

Rarely will one find homes in disrepair or left incomplete; residents and builders alike are dedicated to maintaining a pleasant and cohesive appearance throughout the village.

The club is dedicated to reviving cultural, sports, and tourism activities in the region, regularly hosting workshops, concerts, and festivals that celebrate local heritage.

Additionally, it organizes outdoor activities such as hiking and nature walks, promoting family participation and fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity within the local community.

It varies in width from 9 to 12 meters and includes a 3-meter-wide pedestrian sidewalk extending from Qartaba's entrance near the solar clock to the Ain El Barde Bridge by Saint Simon's Church.

The town's two bus stops are conveniently located in the main square and near Our Lady of Herezmaniye Church, allowing easy access for residents, students, and commuters alike.

During winter, a dedicated snow removal service operates to clear roads in Qartaba and neighboring villages, ensuring that transport and access remain possible despite heavy snowfall.

Concerns included severe environmental destruction, with predictions of catastrophic outcomes for local ecosystmes and habitat loss for species such as wolves and hyenas.

Despite the Ministry's claims that only 5,000 trees had been removed, a civil engineering study revealed irreversible ecological damages and recommended immediate biodiversity surveys, which were conducted only after construction had commenced.