From Chtaura drive
in the direction of the border post with Syria, (Masnaa), but turn
right toward Rashaya just before the post. Continue through the
villages of Dahr El-Ahmar and Labia to Ain Harsha village whose
high-walled terraces wind their way around the curves of the hillsides.
From here you have to walk. The rocky, exposed path (steep at first
but leveling off) from the top of the village leads to the temple
through a wildly beautiful landscape. On the walk, which takes about
forty minutes, farmers and shepherds will greet you on your way
and willingly give
directions and colorful renditions of the history of the temple.
The temple can also be reached by walking down from the higher village
of Ain Ata.
One of the best preserved temples on Mount Hermon, Ain Harsha is
built of local limestone and blends in so well that it is virtually
camouflaged among the rocky crags and boulders. A large stone (broken
in two) in front of the temple, carries an inscription in Greek
that dates it ti 114-115 AD. The temple was restored in 1938-39
and the west wall-the side you see as you approach-is so perfect
it is easily mistaken for modern. Around the temple are more remnants
of ancient habitation, including sarcophagi.
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