| century it was inhabited by Christian
monks who settled in almost inaccessible limestone caves to lead
ascetic lives. A number of monasteries were built in this area,
the most important of which are Deir Qannoubin, an ancient seat
of the Maronite Patriarchate; Deir Qouzhayya, site of the first
printing press in the Middle East and Deir Mar Elisha, where the
Maronite Order of Lebanese Monks was founded in 1635. The gorge
is best explored on foot a narrow vehicular road descends to the
bottom, but it is more fun to take one of the paths from the villages
of Tourza, Blawza, Hadchit, Hasroun and Diman.
The Qadisha River, whose source
is the Qadisha Grotto, runs through the valley, continuing down
to Tripoli where it becomes the Abu Ali River. On the old road
between the Cedars and Bcharreh is the Qadisha Grotto, where water
thunders down from snow-fed springs. A sign marks the spot where
you take a footpath from the roadside to the cave, a walk of about
ten minutes. The cave is lighted to show its limestone formations,
but the rushing water and cool temperatures are the main attractions
here. Below the cave is a powerful waterfall, especially full
in spring months. Closed during the winter, in summer this is
the site of an outdoor restaurant and cafe.
|
North Lebanon:
