Since the early centuries of christianity the Holy Valley has served as a refuge for those in search of solitude. Today we started our day with a visit to Mar Lishaa monastery which is one of the most important monasteries in the Holy Valley. Mar Lishaa was first mentioned in the 14th century. It consist of 4 small cells, a refractory and some offices, the communal church includes 4 chapels which are cut into the rock face.

After our visit to Mar Lishaa Monastery we then headed off on our 5.3km walk to reach Qannoubine Monastery. Along the way we witnessed many waterfalls, the birds were singing and the sound of water flowing in the bottom of the valley. Blissful!

After walking for over an hour we then reached the Qannoubine Monastery which is one of the oldest Maronite monasteries located in the Holy Valley.

After Qannoubine you have the option of walking to Our lady of Hawqa Monastery which is 2km on from the Qannoubine Monastery or you can turn around and head back to where you started.

The total walk is 10.6km and it took us around 2.5hours in total to walk to and from.

If you would like any further information on visiting the monasteries please email info@explorelebanontours.com or you can visit www.explorelebanontours.com

Father Dario Escobar, an 84-year-old Maronite monk from Colombia took residence in the mountainside 18 years ago.

Dario heard about the Qadisha Valley’s from a Lebanese priest he met in Miami after joining the Maronite Church.

The Qadisha Valley, is scattered with monasteries and hermitages, has long been a haven for Christians seeking solitude and safety.

The cliffside sanctuary was built in the late 13th century, to reach the monastery you have to hike around 45min down the cliffside of the valley.

If you would like further information please email info@explorelebanontours.com

Our Lady of Hamatoura is built in the rocky hollow of a high cliff which overlooks the holy valley of Kadisha. 

The church of St Jacob is the most ancient part of the monastery, belonging to the 4th century. There are two churches, one dedicated to St Michael and the other St John the Baptist. On the top of the hill there is the church of St George.

Today there are believers who are reporting his miraculous healings and other grace filled deeds.

To reach the monastery you have walk approximately 200m up hill on a steep path. To visit the monastery you must wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

For further information on Hamatour Monastery or you would like to visit please email info@explorelebanontours.com

Hardine, the rock of faith and religion - The first village to know christianity in the Mount of Lebanon. It is about 1100m above sea level and is is surrounded by thick forest. 

Hardine has over 30 Monastries, churches and hermitages still standing or were restored.

If you would like further information on Hardine or would like visit please email info@explorelebanontours.com