Kadisha Valley, Sacred valley with ancient monasteries in North Lebanon.
Kadisha Valley is a deep gorge in North Lebanon with steep limestone walls where caves, monasteries, and chapels are carved directly into the rock. The structures spread vertically across the valley sides, forming an interconnected network of religious buildings of varying sizes.
Monks and hermits started settling in the valley's natural caves during the early centuries of Christianity and gradually developed them. Over centuries, the site grew into a major religious center that shaped the development of Maronite Christianity.
The valley remains a living center of Maronite Christian faith, shaping how local communities practice their religion today. The monasteries function as active places of worship and gathering rather than only historical sites.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and have basic fitness to navigate the numerous trails connecting different religious sites through the valley. The paths can be steep and narrow in places, so caution is needed when moving between locations.
The Qozhaya Monastery holds one of the Middle East's oldest printing presses, operating from 1610 and producing religious texts in Syriac and Arabic. This early printing technology helped spread sacred writings across the region.
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