The name Aley goes back to the Aramaic language and means “the high place.” Despite evidence of a long history, as revealed in the ancient burial sites carved into the rocks that are found there, Aley remained a small, insignificant village until the beginning of the twentieth century. It did not gain prominence until the railroad linking Beirut to Damascus was built between 1892 and 1895 and passed through it. The new, easy means of transportation attracted the people of Beirut , more and more, to spend their summer months in Aley and enjoy its pleasant climate. Since then, Aley has become one of the most popular summer resorts of Mount Lebanon and the choice vacation spot for many Arab dignitaries.