10+ Fascinating Biblical Sites in Lebanon
Welcome to our list of the fascinating, must-see biblical sites in Lebanon!
Lebanon, which marks the northern border of the biblical Canaan, is mentioned many times throughout both the Old and New Testament, including the role of its famous cedars in the building of King Solomon’s Temple.
However, the mentions of Lebanon in the Bible are much more prevalent than most people would likely assume. Furthermore, many of the biblical locations referenced in scripture are still intact, allowing tourists and residents to wander in the purported steps of Jesus, Mary, the Apostle Paul, and perhaps even the Nephilim.
Without further ado, start your pilgrimage here!
Must-See Biblical Sites in Lebanon
1) Qana (Cana)
According to tradition, Qana was the place where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine. It is also believed to be the location of the wedding feast at Qana, where Jesus turned water into wine. Today, Qana is best known for its archaeological site, which includes the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Despite its small size, this biblical site in Lebanon holds an important place in both religious and archaeological history.
Photo credits: Flickr.com
2) Tyre
In addition to its significance to both Phoenician and Roman history, Tyre fits the bill as a must-see biblical site in Lebanon. Tyre is mentioned many times throughout the Bible, from Tyrian King Hiram I allying his city with David and Solomon and its prophesied destruction in the Book of Zechariah to Jesus visiting Tyre and Sidon — another entry on this list of biblical sites in Lebanon. According to the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul is even said to have visited Tyre and stayed for one week.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
3) Cedars of God
The Cedars of God in Lebanon have been involved in myth, legend, and history going back even further than the Bible. In fact, it’s said that humans and demigods fought over the majestic cedars. Later it is also said that Gilgamesh of the eponymous epic used cedar wood to erect his city. And yet, these mentions are dwarfed by the 103 times the cedars of Lebanon are referenced in the Bible, including when Solomon sourced cedar timber to build the Temple in Jerusalem.
Photo credits: explorelebanon.com
4) Sidon
Sidon was a Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast and the home of Jezebel. The Old Testament describes Sidon as a major trading center, and the New Testament describes Jesus as having visited the city on several occasions. In both cases, Sidon is described as being a prosperous place with a diverse population. The Old Testament describes the city as being home to many different races and cultures, while the New Testament describes it as a cosmopolitan center of learning. In both cases, Sidon is portrayed as being a strategic location of great importance. This is reflected in its status as a major player in the biblical narrative. As such, Sidon provides an important window into the culture and history of the ancient world.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
5) Baalbek
While Baalbek is not specifically referenced by name in the Bible, scholars have attempted to connect Baalgad, “a Canaanite town in the valley of Lebanon at the foot of Hermon, near the source of the Jordan River” (Josh. 13:5; 11:17; 12:7) to Baalbek. Many details in the description do line up with this ancient site; however, it’s a stretch to say that they are indeed the same place. For one, Baalbek is a few hours from Mount Hermon and the Jordan River. However, other mythology attributes the existence of its megalithic temples to King Solomon and the city has been around for long enough and was an important enough site that it’s quite easy to imagine certain figures interacting with it during biblical times. Also, we do know the worship of Baal — a definitive practice of Baalbek — was condemned, which gives it further justification on this list as a biblical site in Lebanon, though perhaps not necessarily a Christian site in Lebanon.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
6) Mount Hermon
Mount Hermon is a mountain mentioned in the Bible that is located in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. In the Bible, Mount Hermon is first mentioned in connection with the giant sons of Anak (Deuteronomy 2:11). The Israelites traveled to Mount Hermon during their time in the wilderness (Numbers 13:29), and it was here that King Saul and his army camped before attacking the city of Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:4). Later, Mount Hermon became part of the northern border of the land of Israel (Joshua 11:3; 13:11). By New Testament times, Mount Hermon was known for its fertility and abundant natural resources, and it was here that Herod Antipas built a temple to honor the Roman emperor Augustus (Luke 3:1). Today, this biblical site in Lebanon is a popular tourist destination, and its snow-capped peak is a reminder of its religious heritage.
Photo credits: the961.com
7) Shrine of the Prophet Noah
If you find yourself in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon, you might stumble upon the small village of Karak Nouh. The biblical site of Karak Nouh is located just northeast of Zahle, at the eastern foot of the Mt. Lebanon range. In a building adjoining the village mosque, you'll find a long sarcophagus draped in a green cloth. It is claimed this is the tomb of Noah. The tomb is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike, who come to pay their respects to the biblical figure. While there is no concrete evidence that the sarcophagus contains Noah's remains, it is nonetheless an interesting site to visit. So if you're in the area, be sure to check it out.
Photo credits: bibleplaces.com
8) Our Lady of Awaiting
The biblical site of Saydet El Mantara in Lebanon is steeped in history and tradition. According to popular tradition, the Virgin Mary was prohibited access to some cities at the time and waited in a cave in Maghdouche during the time Jesus Christ was preaching in Saida. Traces of a Roman road near the shrine suggest that the cave was probably on the road linking Jerusalem to Saida, via the ancient Roman city Caesarea Philippi and the site Panias, both located at the foot of Mount Hermon. In 324 AD, Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine I the Great, built a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the location where the tower currently stands. The chapel was decorated with an icon of Saint Luc and has since become a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world.
Photo credits: lebanonuntravelled.com
9) The Shrine of the Prophet Jonah
The Shrine of the Prophet Jonah is a biblical site located in Lebanon. According to tradition, it is the tomb of the prophet Jonah, who was swallowed by a whale and then vomited up on the Lebanese coast. The shrine is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. The shrine is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and it is surrounded by gardens and courtyards. Visitors to the shrine can explore the tomb of the prophet, pray at the altar, and learn about the life of Jonah from the guides who are on hand to provide information. The Shrine of the Prophet Jonah is a place of peace and contemplation, and it is an important site for both Christians and Muslims.
Photo credits: 365daysoflebanon.com
10) Shrine of Prophet Joshua
The Shrine of Prophet Joshua in El-Menyeh, Tripoli is a biblical site located in Lebanon. According to locals, the tomb is in a cave with a depth of over 15 meters. Water is said to drip down onto the tomb in order to quench the prophet’s thirst since according to locals he died of thirst. The shrine is said to be the site of a number of miracles for the sick. In addition, the shrine is also said to be the final resting place of Prophet Joshua. pilgrims from all over the world come to visit the shrine in order to pay their respects.
Photo credits: lebanonexpedition.com
11) Zarephath (Sarafand)
The biblical city of Sarepta is located in present-day Lebanon. In the Books of Kings, the city is described as being subject to Sidon in the time of Ahab. The prophet Elijah multiplies the meal and oil of the widow of Zarephath (Sarepta) and raises her son from the dead there. This incident is also referred to by Jesus in Luke's Gospel. Today, Sarepta is a popular tourist destination due to its biblical history. Visitors can see the remains of ancient buildings and learn more about this fascinating site.
Photo credits: lebanoninapicture.com
People Also Ask These Questions About Biblical Sites in Lebanon
How many times is Lebanon mentioned in the Bible?
Lebanon is mentioned 71 times in the Bible, as it was an important part of the ancient world. The nation is first mentioned in the book of Joshua, when the Israelites were entering the Promised Land. Lebanon is also mentioned in connection with the famous queen of Sheba, who is said to have come from that region. In addition, the Prophet Elijah is said to have been carried off to heaven from a mountain in Lebanon. The nation is also mentioned several times in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles.
Where did Jesus go in Lebanon?
The exact location of Jesus' travels in Lebanon is not known, but it is said that he certainly traveled to the city of Tyre, which was an important center of trade in the region. It is also mentioned that he traveled to Sidon to preach. It is possible that he traveled to the city of Beirut, which was a major center of learning in the ancient world. Lastly, he is purported to have attended a wedding in Cana.
Did the Virgin Mary ever visit Lebanon?
According to legend, Mary traveled to Lebanon after the crucifixion of Christ, in order to spread his message to the people of the East. While there isn’t much scholarly evidence to support this claim, it is nonetheless an important part of Lebanese Christian beliefs. What stronger evidence does support; however, is the claim that Mary the Virgin Mary was prohibited access to some cities at the time and waited in a cave in Maghdouche during the time Jesus Christ was preaching in Saida.
Why were the cedars of Lebanon mentioned so many times throughout the Bible?
The cedars of Lebanon have been revered for centuries for their beauty and strength. The Bible mentions the cedars of Lebanon over 80 times, most often in reference to the construction of King Solomon's temple. The cedar is a symbol of righteousness and justice, and its wood was thought to be incorruptible.