Harissa: Shrine, Monastery and Churches

Harissa is a destination for travelers who want to consider a place’s religious character when choosing a hotel. The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is in Harissa; other named institutions include a Franciscan monastery, a church and a basilica. These religious and institutional connections give the place a distinct identity.

Churches and Religious Sites in Harissa

The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is in Harissa. The Franciscan Monastery of St. Francis and the Church of St. Anthony in Harissa are dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. The monks of the Monastery of St. Francis serve as the church of the Maronite parish of al-Daʿun. The Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa has another institutional role: it is the headquarters of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Paul. Its dedication, parish connection and headquarters role describe different religious associations of the place. If you are planning a visit, check in advance what visiting options are available at each site.

Culture and History in the Wider Destination of Mount Lebanon

The wider destination of Mount Lebanon has other cultural sites, each with its own character. Beiteddine Palace is considered an outstanding cultural heritage site representing the architectural revival of 19th-century Mount Lebanon. Traditional Lebanese architecture is preserved in El-Werhaniyeh, and the Assaf Museum there is officially recognized as a national museum. Maasser Beit el-Din is also known as Ain El-Maasser and is known for attractions such as a historic 19th-century silk factory. Ancient olive presses can be found on Ram Hill in Maasser Beit el-Din. In Majdel Maoush, the Church of Our Lady was built in 1609 by Patriarch Jean Makhlouf; the old Church of St. George was built by Patriarch Douaihy. These examples differ in their construction history, religious significance and institutional recognition.

Landscape and Nature in Mount Lebanon

The nature-related information also concerns places in the wider destination of Mount Lebanon. In El-Werhaniyeh, forests cover 35 percent of the village’s area. They include hundreds of centuries-old oak trees, some of which are over 200 years old, as well as mulberry trees, hawthorns, pines and other tree species. El-Werhaniyeh has abundant water resources and freshwater springs. One neighborhood is called “El-Ayoun” (“The Eyes”) because of its many springs. The Werhaniyeh-Freidis-Barouk Forest Trail starts in El-Werhaniyeh and is used by hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Shabrouh Dam is in the Mount Lebanon Governorate and holds 8 million cubic meters of water. If you are planning a hike, check the current condition of the trail in advance.

Festivals in the Wider Destination of Mount Lebanon

The festivals also bring distinct highlights to the places mentioned. In Maasser Beit el-Din, the annual Feast of St. Elias, the village’s patron saint, is celebrated. It includes a solemn Mass at the village church, a communal dinner and an exhibition. In Majdel Maoush, the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated annually with a solemn Mass and an arts festival. In Barouk-Freidis, the Apple Day Festival takes place annually at the end of September. If you are planning your trip specifically around one of these festivals, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mazraat Kfardibiane, Dbaiye, Fatqa, Chbaniye, Mechane, Deir Chamra, Bikfaya, Nakkashe.

For the wider travel overview: Mount Lebanon.