Holy Valley

Holy Valley

The Holy Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. Its many ancient monasteries are strikingly perched along the rugged valley, near the remnants of the Cedars of Lebanon forest, whose trees once provided high-quality timber for ancient religious structures.

The Holy Valley is one of the deepest and most beautiful valleys in Lebanon, a true hidden paradise. At the bottom of the gorge flows the Qadisha River, which originates at the foot of Mount Saint Maron. Above the famous cedar groves of the valley rise some of the highest peaks in Lebanon. The word “Qadisha” comes from a Semitic root meaning “holy,” so “Ouadi Qadisha” translates to “Holy Valley.” The valley features natural caves as well as man-made stone dwellings that were inhabited from the 3rd century BC through the Roman era. It is also dotted with stone chapels, monasteries, and secluded hermitages.