Harissa, Lebanon

Harissa is an important Christian pilgrimage site above the town of Jounieh, north of Beirut.

On the mountain, a 15 -ton white-colored bronze statue of the Virgin Mary is placed, ( Notre Dame du Liban ), to reach out. It was made ​​late 19th century and inaugurated in 1908.

Below the statue is a small chapel. In addition, a modern cathedral was built of glass and concrete. The Congregation of the Lebanese Maronite Missionaries has essentially constructed the Sanctuary in Harissa and cared for the pilgrims.

The monument is located near the monastery Bkerke, the seat of the Patriarch of the Maronite Church.

On the grounds there is also a Basilica of St. Paul of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.

On May 10, 1997 Pope John Paul II visited the site; on 14 and 16 September 2012 has been Harissa station of the Lebanon - visit of Pope Benedict XVI ..