DEIR QANNOUBINE MONASTERY
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Founded in the fourth century by Théodose the Grand, the Deir Qannoubin monastery, whose name is derived from kanoubion which means monastery in Greek, was the headquarters of the Maronite Patriarchate from the th to the th century and gave its name to this part of the valley. The church, in the centre of the building and half built in the trough of the rock, houses th and th century murals in Byzantine style, including a beautiful Coronation of the Virgin. Near the entrance is a cellar containing a naturally mummified body (preserved from decay by natural factors) identified as that of the Patriarch Youssef Tyan. Nearby is the Chapel Sainte-marina, famous in the valley, where the remains of eighteen Maronites patriarchs are buried. Overlooking a multicentenaire olive grove, the convent enjoys a magnificent view on the opposite side of the valley, where many food crops are located in terraces.
On y accède idéalement lors d'une ballade d'une demi-journée au moins, chemins de montagne uniquement piétonniers.
Ce monastère en particulier contient... une momie ! (en très bon état).
Un des monastères à faire dans la vallée donc, vallée elle-même indispensable pour tout séjour au Liban digne de ce nom !