Monastery of Saint Maron

The Monastery of Saint Maron (Syriac: Deir Mar Maroun‎), also called the Cave of the monks, is an ancient cavern - used as a Maronite monastery - carved out of solid rock in the side of a cliff, located around 200 metres (660 ft) from Ain ez Zarqa, the source of the Orontes river, and south of Hermel in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, northern Lebanon.[1][2][3] It is named after Saint Maron whose life and works at the location is associated with the establishment of the Maronite Church.

Monastery of Saint Maron
(Syriac: Deir Mar Maroun‎)
Shown within Lebanon
LocationBeqaa Valley, Lebanon
Coordinates34°21′08″N 36°22′33″E
History
PeriodsAncient Rome, Byzantine Empire, Mamluk, Ottoman empire
Site notes
Conditionrecently cleaned, falling into disrepair
Public accessYes
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History

The cavern-monastery is situated 90 metres (300 ft) above the river. Probably was initially created during the second century and used as a small refuge for worship in the mountains.[4] It consists of three levels with rock stairways, numerous altars, and small cells, suggested to have been the residence of Saint Maron and his early followers in the fourth century AD, during the foundation of the Maronite Church. It is suggested that Maron worked and even died in the monastery.

Even if greatly damaged during Arab conquest of the region, later occupation in Mamluk and Ottoman empire periods is attested by loopholes cut into the walls.[2][5] The monastery is commonly thought to have been constructed by Romans, however the date, builders and origins of the structure are not certain.[1]

The structure has fallen into disrepair, having been used as shelter for sheep, goats, and the occasional shepherd over the years.[6]

Restoration

The cavern is located on land owned by the Ministry of Energy and Water of Lebanon, but has been the subject of an ongoing dispute between the Maronite Archdiocese and the Dandash family, who stakes an old claim on the land. The Maronite Archdiocese has retained rights to renovate the landmark and has stated intentions to begin a restoration project.

The site has only reported to have been cleaned and no work has started on the monument, even if suggested to be of national importance.[1]

References
  1. al-Fakih, Rakan., Mar Maroun monastery restoration undeterred, The Daily Star (Lebanon, 2012-01-11. (Archived October 14, 2012, at WebCite)
  2. Michel M. Alouf; Tedd St Rain (1999). History of Baalbek. Book Tree. pp. 49–. ISBN 978-1-58509-063-1. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  3. Paul Doyle (1 March 2012). Lebanon. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 215–. ISBN 978-1-84162-370-2. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  4. Photo of the monastery-cavern
  5. Robert Boulanger (1955). Lebanon. Hachette. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  6. Charles William Meredith van de Velde; Carel Willem Meredith Velde (van de) (1854). Narrative of a journey through Syria and Palestine in 1851 and 1852. W. Blackwood and sons. pp. 472–. Retrieved 15 October 2012.

See also


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