⛰️ Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley)
Lebanon
About This Sacred Site
The Qadisha Valley, meaning 'Holy Valley' in Syriac, is a deep gorge in northern Lebanon that has served as a refuge for persecuted Maronite Christians since the earliest days of the faith. The valley's steep walls contain numerous cave-monasteries, hermitages, and churches dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. The Monastery of Qannoubin served as the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate for centuries. Along with the Cedars of God forest at its head, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Facts
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998
- •'Qadisha' derives from the Syriac word for 'holy'
- •Home to monasteries and hermitages dating to the 4th century
- •The Monastery of Qannoubin was the Maronite Patriarchal seat
- •Contains some of the last remaining old-growth cedar groves
Location
Coordinates: 34.2486, 35.9681
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