Uadi Qadisha

The Qadisha Valley, also known as the "Holy Valley," is a deep gorge carved by the Kadisha River. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, the area contains some of the earliest Christian monastic settlements. The landscape is characterized by steep cliffs and natural caves that have served as a place of meditation and refuge for centuries.

Ancient monasteries and hermitages, such as Der Mar Antonios Ishaya and the Qannoubine Monastery, are built directly into the rock faces. These historic structures are situated near the Forest of the Cedars of God, which preserves rare remnants of the ancient cedar forests that once covered the region.

The valley is a major section of the Lebanon Mountain Trail. A network of paths connects the various monastic sites and natural landmarks, facilitating trekking and the exploration of the gorge's cultural and religious history.