Kadisha Valley
The Wadi Qadischa (Arabic وادي قاديشا, DMG Wādī Qādīšā, Sacred Valley ') is a valley in the mountains of Lebanon and since 1998 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes of Lebanon.
Geography
The Wadi Qadischa located at the foot of Mount al - Makmal in northern Lebanon. It was formed from Qadischa River, which rises slightly below the tree group " Cedars of the Lord" in a cave. The total length of the valley is 35 km.
History
The Wadi Qadisha was settled very early. The valley is known besides the beautiful nature for its numerous monasteries. Since the Wadi is relatively secluded, it was for centuries used as a retreat devout Christians, who often had to suffer persecution. In 1998 it was included in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its long-standing Christian tradition. The most important place in the valley is Bsharri.
The monasteries of Wadi Qadischa
The Qannubin Monastery
The Qannubin monastery is considered the most significant in Wadi Qadischa. It is located in the northeast of the valley and is the oldest Maronite monastery. The word comes from the Greek word Qanubin Kenobion, which means monastery. According to legend, the investment of a student of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I ( 347-395 ) was founded. From the 15th - 19th Century the monastery was the seat of the Maronite Patriarch from Qadischa Valley. The monks' cells, accommodations for travelers and the church were beaten in the rocks. The latter is decorated with frescoes of the 18th century.
The Quzhaya Monastery
The Anthony Monastery Quzhaya monastery is located opposite the Qanubinkloster. It is one of the largest monasteries in the valley and was probably founded in the 4th century. This was according to legend, by St. Hilary, who built the monastery in honor of the Egyptian Holy St. Anthony the Great. However, the earliest evidence dates from the 12th century. The main rooms include an auditorium and a chapel. Meanwhile, an ethnographic museum is housed in the premises. Among other things, a printing machine of 1871 is issued. Near the monastery there is a mill and hermit caves. These were used by religious hermits who had withdrawn into solitude, to serve God.
The monastery Sayyidat Hawqa
The monastery Sayyidat Hawqa ( to Our Lady of Hauqa ) was founded in the 13th century. It is situated at 1150m altitude on a plateau between the Quzhaya and the Qannubin Monastery. The monastery was partially built into a 47 meter deep, existing cave above the plateau. This part can only be reached by a ladder. In the cave, archaeological traces of the Stone Age have been found to the Middle Ages. In the chapel itself a Christian inscription in Arabic characters can be seen from the year 1193.
The Monastery of Mar Sarkis
The Mar - Sarkis Monastery is located at an altitude of 1500m above the village of Ehden. It is also called " the watchful eye Qadischas ". The first church was built in 750 on the ruins of a Canaanite temple. 1198 an additional church was built. Other buildings originated from 1404 the year 1690. The monastery was dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
The monastery of Mar Alischa '
The Monastery of Mar - Alisha ' was first mentioned in the 14th century. The monastery consists of four monks' cells, a refectory and a church that was carved into the rock. A Maronite Order of the monastery is divided today with the Barfüßerorden the Carmelites.
The Cedars of the Lord
Above the Wadi Qadisha are the " Cedars of the Lord " (Arabic أرز الرب, DMG Arz ar - Rabb ). Some of these trees of Lebanon cedar are considered the elders of the region. They have survived the deforestation of the Phoenician and Roman times. Cedar was considered by the Pharaohs, Assyrians and Israelites as a very desirable building material. However, due to over-exploitation, the cedar forests dwindled more and more. Only a few cedar grove were disregarded by loggers and were not cut down. The Copse " Cedars of the Lord" in Bisharri consists of 375 trees. The age is controversial. Two of them is to have 3,000 years, ten more trees over 1000 years old. Of the cedars offers on clear days, a view of the Mediterranean to Cyprus. In winter, the area is a popular ski resort, in summer a popular destination among Lebanese and tourists.