Qozhaya, Maronite monastery in Zgharta District, Lebanon
Qozhaya is a monastery in Zgharta District built into a cave system, with a church featuring a pink stone facade connected by lead and supported by twelve pillars. The complex represents a blend of natural rock formations and constructed spaces that house chapels, living quarters, and gathering areas for the monastic community.
The monastery was founded in the fourth century when hermits first settled in the caves and made this place their home. Over centuries, it grew into an important residence and became deeply connected to the development of the Maronite church in the region.
The monastery served as a spiritual center for the Maronite community and remains a place where religious practices continue today. People gather here to experience the sacred spaces and participate in the traditions that have defined this community for centuries.
The site can be explored on foot through cave passages and staircases, some of which are steep and require careful movement. Nearby accommodation options provide a comfortable base for spending time here and learning more from local staff and guides.
In 1584, the first printing press to arrive in the Middle East was installed here, producing religious texts in both Syriac and Arabic. This machine allowed the monastery to distribute written works more widely than ever before to communities across the region.
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