Monastery of Saint Maron, Archaeological site near Ain ez Zarqa, Lebanon.
The cave monastery features three levels with rock stairways, numerous altars, and small cells carved into the mountainside 90 meters above the Orontes River.
The structure dates back to the second century CE when Romans built it, later becoming the residence of Saint Maron and his followers in the fourth century.
The monastery holds importance for the Maronite Church as it served as the dwelling place for Saint Maron, who established the Maronite community.
The site belongs to Lebanon's Ministry of Energy and Water, with the Maronite Archdiocese maintaining renovation rights for future restoration projects.
The cave structure contains evidence of multiple historical periods, including Roman architectural elements and later Mamluk and Ottoman military modifications.
GPS coordinates: 34.35222,36.37583
Latest update: March 11, 2025 12:25
Krak des Chevaliers
45.7 km
Baalbek Stones
42.6 km
Cedars of God
32.5 km
Temple of Bacchus
41.7 km
Anti-Lebanon mountains
40.8 km
Trilithon of Baalbek
41.6 km
Temple of Jupiter
41.8 km
Kadisha Valley
36.3 km
Qurnet Al Sawda
24.6 km
Temples of Baalbek
41.5 km
Seyyede Khoulah bint Hossein shrine
42.2 km
Miniyeh-Danniyeh District
42.2 km
Qozhaya
40.2 km
Gibran Museum
34.8 km
Lake Homs
37.1 km
Lake Homs Dam
41.1 km
Qasr el Banat, Lebanon
37.9 km
Saint George's Monastery
47.2 km
Mar Sarkis, Ehden
36.8 km
Tell Arqa
36.1 km
Arz
33.2 km
Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)
39.8 km
Al-Burtasi Mosque
49.5 km
Arz Tannourine
44.1 km
Berzine
45.8 km
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
48.9 km
Monastery Of Mar Lishaa
36.2 km
Khan al-Khayyatin
49.6 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes