Harissa

Harissa, a small mountain village in Lebanon, is renowned as a significant Christian pilgrimage site. Overlooking the stunning Jounieh Bay, Harissa is home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon, also known as Notre Dame du Liban, which attracts millions of devotees each year.

The sanctuary is most famous for its colossal bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, known as ‘Our Lady of Lebanon.’ Towering some 15 meters high and coated in white paint, the statue offers an arms-wide-open gesture, symbolizing protection and blessing to all who visit.

The site also includes a modernistic cathedral built underneath the statue and a museum showcasing various exhibits related to religious art. The panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Beirut from the top are breathtaking, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Harissa is accessible via a scenic cable car ride from Jounieh, known as the Téléphérique, offering unforgettable views of the Lebanese coastline, a highlight of any visit to Lebanon.