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The Monasteries of Zawieh

Deir Mar Semaan Al-Karn (Aitou)

This is an old convent whose fame has recently spread on account of St. Rafqa from Hemlaya, who spent in it more than 26 years of her life. St. Simeon Stylite convent stands on top of a hill overlooking the sea from the west, north and south, and the Kadisha Valley from the east. Historicalrecords do not mention this convent before the 16th century. In 1846 the religious life was revived in this convent after it had been deserted for a long time. In 1863, the Lebanese Maronite Order acquired it and added a new wing (where St. Rafqa had lived) in 1868. The new convent was built in 1903.

                  the old convent (16th century)

                  The new convent built 1903

Monastery of Our Lady of Hamatoura (Raskeefa)

The famous monastery of Our Lady of Hamatoura, which was built among natural grottos, is reached on foot by following the bank of the Kadeesha River.

Monastery of Mar Michael (Aintourine)

In Aintourine, an old monastery dedicated to the angel St. Michael and dating to Crusader times is still well preserved.

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