Religious Tourism
Under each rock of Ras Baalbek’s mountains, there is a hidden story asserting that the town was among the first in the Bekaa to adopt Christianity. Among its many attractions are the churches that used to be pagan temples.
One of the most important sites in Ras Baalbek is the archaeological monastery of Our Miraculous Lady of Ras Baalbek that dates back to the 4th century, in addition to the shrine of Saint Thomas located at the top of a hill in the town, reachable by foot. Tourists also visit the shrine of Saint Barbara that was built on the ruins of a Roman pagan temple known as the temple of Jupiter or “Heliopolitan temple”, meaning the small temple of the sun. As for Saint Elian church, it may be one of the biggest churches in Lebanon and the only one holding the name of Saint Elian, the healing doctor. Recently, the church of Saint Elias was built in the town. Two years ago a cave that was inhabited by the first man in the town was transformed into a shrine for Saint Charbel visited by believers to pray and meditate.
Our Miraculous Lady Shrine
The monastery of Our Miraculous Lady of Ras Baalbek is one of the most ancient monasteries in Lebanon. It was an old pagan temple carrying a historic and spiritual value. Despite all the attacks throughout the years, its faith remained strong and everlasting.
Saint Thomas Shrine
The shrine was built on an ancient hill, on the ruins of a pagan temple. The stones of the shrine were extracted from the quarry that is few meters away. They are uncut stones from 2,000 years BC, which proves that the temple was pagan.
Saint Barbara’s Church
It was an old Roman pagan temple known as Baalbek Jupiter temple or “Heliopolitan” temple meaning the small temple of the sun, compared to the main Jupiter temple “Heliopolis” meaning the big temple of the sun in Baalbek.
Saint Elian Church
It may be one of the biggest churches in Lebanon. Saint Elian was Christian from Homs.
The altar of the church was designed similarly to an altar in Rome. It is the only one in Lebanon containing engraves referring to God’s presence.
Saint Paul Church
It was previously named Saint John church. It is built according to the Byzantine architecture between 1775 and 1800 AD.
Saint Elias Church
The church is located at the entrance of the town. It is modern but unfinished. It is built according to a modern design replacing a small church holding the name of Saint Elias. The majority of the town’s citizens are named Elias, in reference to the Saint because he is part of Ras Baalbek’s history.
Saint Charbel Shrine
On your way to the church of Ras Baalbek Miraculous Lady, from the North, and on Saint Thomas hill, a small cave where the first man lived is now known as Saint Charbel shrine. It was built in 2019 where believers visit to meditate and pray.
Little Sisters Of Jesus’ House
It is located near Saint Elian church. It was a Protestant school at the end of the 19th century. It is formed of 5 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, big living room and small shrine for prayers.
