Yammouneh

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Yammoune is the site of an ancient sacred lake and Roman temple.
A great water cavern west of the temple fills the lake each year, although at other times it may appear almost dry. Luxurious Roman villas used to occupy the area between the cavern and the temple and numerous altars, statues and other elements have been discovered nearby.
All that remains of the temple today is a retaining wall of limestone blocks which goes down to the lake level. Beneath are supposed to be subterranean chambers. Presumably dedicated to Venus-Astrate, legend has it that when Typhon made war against the heavens, it was at Yammouneh that Venus changed herself into a fish. (from lebanonatlas.com)

The water canals and lakes are home to the only species of fish endemic to Lebanon (Phoxinellus libani). The lakes and surrounding hills of juniper trees form the Yammoune nature reserve.