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Our Lady of Lebanon
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monument
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon is located in Harissa, on a mountain peak at an altitude of 650 meters, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Jounieh. The pilgrimage site was founded in 1904 by the Maronite Patriarch to mark the 50th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The center of the complex is a fifteen-ton, eight-and-a-half-meter-high white-painted bronze statue cast in France, depicting the Virgin Mary with open arms. The statue stands on a conical stone pedestal, which houses a small wooden chapel inside. The sanctuary is highly revered not only by Maronite Catholics but also by local Muslims. In the second half of the 20th century, due to the increasing number of pilgrims, a modern, massive concrete basilica in the shape of a cedar tree was built next to the statue. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have visited the sanctuary.
- Location: Lebanon
- Top sights: Chateau Musar · Roman temple site · Malibu Bay
- Nearby: Kfardebian (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 115 | 82 | 43 | 23 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 56 | 96 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Our Lady of Lebanon monument in Harissa is a major pilgrimage site and freely accessible. The statue stands on a hill, with the viewing platform and the chapel below also open.
Typical hours
The grounds are typically open daily from 8:00 to 18:00, extended during special feasts. The chapel has its own hours for masses.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, including of the statue. Avoid flash in the chapel during prayer. The panoramic view over Jounieh Bay is a must.
Time needed
A visit typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, including the lift to the statue. To explore the chapel and garden, allow 1.5 hours.
Combine with
Harissa sits above Jounieh, known for its old town and cable car. Combine the statue with a cable car ride to Jounieh and a visit to the Jeita Grotto.
Getting there
Harissa is reachable by car from Beirut via the highway in about 30 minutes. From Jounieh, a cable car runs directly to the monument.
Insider tip
Visit the monument in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset light. Entrance is free, but a ticket is needed for the cable car.
Geography
Facts
- The statue was consecrated in 1908 in a festive ceremony.
- A spiral staircase leads up the pedestal, often climbed by pilgrims.
- A cable car (téléférique) connects the mountaintop with the coastal city of Jounieh.
- Over two million pilgrims visit the sanctuary every year from all over the world.
- The statue's pedestal is reminiscent of the stepped ziggurat of a Phoenician temple.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Our Lady of Lebanon (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How to get to the top of Harissa mountain?
Best by cable car (Teleferique) from Jounieh or by car.
Can you climb up the statue?
Yes, there is a narrow external staircase leading to the base of the statue.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access to the site and the statue is free; only the cable car has a fee.
Is there a church there?
Yes, next to the statue is a modern, impressive cathedral made of glass and concrete.
When are the masses?
Masses are held daily, often hourly on Sundays and religious holidays.
Our Lady of Lebanon: where is it located?
Our Lady of Lebanon is located in Lebanon.
Our Lady of Lebanon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chateau Musar, Roman temple site, Malibu Bay.
Our Lady of Lebanon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Our Lady of Lebanon: why is it worth visiting?
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon is located in Harissa, on a mountain peak at an altitude of 650 meters, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Jounieh.
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