⛪ Our Lady of Lebanon (Harissa)

About This Sacred Site

Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the Middle East. The shrine features a 15-ton white bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, arms outstretched, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Jounieh. Built in 1908, the statue is 8.5 meters tall and stands atop a chapel. A modern basilica was added in 1970, and both Maronite and Greek Melkite Catholic churches serve the site. Pilgrims of multiple faiths visit, making it a symbol of Lebanese coexistence.

Spiritual Significance

Erected in 1908 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Marian apparition at Lourdes, the bronze statue weighing 15 tons and standing 8.5 meters tall symbolizes the Virgin Mary's protective role over Lebanon's Christian communities. The site hosts annual pilgrimages during the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, attracting thousands who participate in processions and Rosary prayers, reflecting Catholic Marian devotion. The teleferique cable car connecting Harissa to Jounieh enhances pilgrim access, facilitating devotional practices that include candle lighting and confessions in the adjacent basilica. The statue's elevated position on the Harissa hilltop, overlooking the Mediterranean, embodies theological themes of intercession and divine guardianship found in Catholic doctrine. The sanctuary is a prominent locus for ecumenical gatherings and spiritual retreats, underscoring its significance in Lebanese Christian identity.

Key Facts

• •The bronze statue weighs 15 tons and stands 8.5 meters tall
• •Erected in 1908 to mark the 50th anniversary of a Marian apparition at Lourdes
• •A teleferique (cable car) connects it to Jounieh below
• •Visited by Christians and Muslims alike
• •The modern basilica was added in 1970

Location

Coordinates: 33.9853, 35.6425