Church of Saint Anthony, Cave church in Zgharta District, Lebanon.
The Church of Saint Anthony stands within the Qadisha valley, featuring traditional stone walls carved into the mountain's natural cave formations.
Dating back to the fourth century, this monastery provided sanctuary for Maronite Christians who sought refuge from persecution in the mountainous terrain.
During Saint Anthony's feast day, the monastery distributes traditional Halawa made from sesame paste following hourly masses throughout the celebration.
The monastery maintains regular visiting hours and contains a museum showcasing one of the oldest printing presses in ancient Syriac script.
The church structure incorporates a natural cave system where visitors light candles in a centuries-old tradition of spiritual devotion.
Location: Zgharta District
GPS coordinates: 34.28506,35.95055
Latest update: March 9, 2025 09:12
Lebanon preserves thousands of years of human settlement through archaeological sites and museum collections spread across the country. Phoenician ruins are adjacent to Roman monuments, while medieval fortresses mark periods of the Crusades and Ottoman rule. In Beirut, the National Museum houses artifacts covering all the country's historical eras, and the Mim Mineral Museum displays over 2,000 specimens from around the world. Along the coast, Sidon features a 13th-century maritime fortress and the Echmoun temple, a Phoenician complex built in the 7th century BCE. Collections extend well beyond classical archaeology. The Saint-Joseph University Prehistory Museum documents prehistoric occupation in Lebanon, while the Byblos Fossil Museum showcases more than 200 petrified specimens illustrating regional geological history. These institutions provide a thorough overview of the human and natural evolution of this Mediterranean area, from early settlements to Ottoman and modern periods.
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