Bsharri District

Monasteries in Bsharri District

Qadisha Valley Monasteries

The Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Lebanon, is one of the world's most important early Christian monastic settlements. Carved into steep limestone cliffs, its ancient monasteries and hermitages served as a sanctuary for Maronite communities for centuries. The valley features rock-cut chapels with medieval frescoes, the historic seat of the Maronite Patriarchate, and the nearby Cedars of God, a protected grove of ancient trees. This spiritual landscape offers a network of hiking trails connecting remote religious sites and natural caves.

Qadisha Valley Monasteries — Map

A

Qadisha Valley

Deep gorge and UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Christian monasteries and hermitages carved into rugged cliffs. Historically serving as a sanctuary for monastic communities, the site includes natural caves and is located near the Forest of the Cedars of God.

B

Cedars of God

Ancient cedar forest and nature reserve featuring trees that are over three thousand years old. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the final remnants of the vast forests that once covered the mountain range.

C

Monastery of St Anthony of Qozhaya

Qozhaya, also transliterated Qazahya is located in the Zgharta District in the North Governorate of Lebanon.

D

Saint Elisha Monastery

Rock-cut monastery built into a cliff face, historically serving as a communal hermitage for both Maronite and Discalced Carmelite monks. It features a small museum and remains one of the valley's most accessible spiritual sites.

E

Monastery of our Lady of Qannoubine Qadisha

The oldest Maronite monastery in the valley, which served as the seat of the Maronite Patriarchs for over 400 years. It features a church carved into the rock adorned with 18th-century frescoes and medieval wall paintings.

F

Maronite Patriarcate

The summer residence of the Maronite Patriarch, situated on the edge of the Qadisha Valley. The complex overlooks the gorge and provides a strategic vantage point above the historic monastic settlements.

G

Saint Marina Sanctuary

A small rock-cut chapel and grotto located near the Monastery of Qannoubine. It is the traditional burial site for Maronite Patriarchs and is dedicated to Saint Marina, a woman who lived as a monk in the valley.

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