RELIGIOUS TOURS

Harissa Qozhaya Bekaakafra

Our day starts with a 9 minute cable car ride from Jounieh to

the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa overlooking

the bay of Jounieh. The sanctuary is highlighted by a huge 15

ton bronze statue of the virgin Mary.

We then proceed to Mar Antonios Qozhahya monastery one of

the largest monasteries in the valley functioning since the mid

12 th century with lovely views. The most important object on

display is the Arab world’s first printing press which dates from

the 16 th century.

Our last stop is Bekaakafra at an elevation of 1,750 m above sea

level Bekaakafra is the highest village in Lebanon, it is also the

birthplace of Lebanon’s revered Maronite saint St. Charbel

whose house is now converted into a museum and art gallery.

Lady of Mantara Deir Mimas

Our day starts by visiting Our Lady of Mantara in Maghdouche a

major pilgrimage site discovered by a shepherd in 1791 where

the Virgin Mary used to rest while Jesus preached in Sidon.

We continue our trip further south to visit Deir Mimas

monastery built around 1401 overlooking the Litani River and

the medieval Beaufort Castle. Deir Mimas is considered the

closest Lebanese Christian village to the Holy Land and the

village has seven different churches serving the population.

1 Saint Mamas Monastery for the Greek Orthodox

2 Saint Michel church for the Greek Orthodox

3 Saint Mamas church for the Melkite Catholics

4 Santa Maria Monastery for the Latin Catholics

5 Santa Maria Church for the Latin Catholics

6 Protestant church

7 Deir Mimas Baptist Church

Mar Antonios Qozhaya monastery and Qadisha Valley

Our day starts by visiting Mar Antonios Qozhaya monastery one of the

largest monasteries in the valley functioning since the mid 12 th century

with lovely views. The most important object oln display is the Arab

world’s first printing press, which dates from the 16 th century.

We then proceed for a hike in the Qadisha Valley and start at Deir Mar

Elishaa where the Maronite Order of Lebanese Monks was founded in

1695. Located south of Bcharre the monastery is accessed via a steep

road.

We continue the hike to reach Deir Qannoubine the oldest Maronite

monastery in the valley dating back to the Byzantine period. Formerly

the seat of the Maronite patriarchs between the 15 th and 19 th centuries.

Finally, we reach St Marina’s monastery where Marina entered the

monastery disguised as a monk.