⛪ Our Lady of Lebanon – Harissa’s Heavenly View

Faith, peace, and panoramic beauty above the sea

 

Ideal for spiritual travelers, photographers, families, and day-trippers from Beirut

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🧭 Why Visit Our Lady of Lebanon?

Perched 650 meters above the Mediterranean Sea in Harissa, Our Lady of Lebanon is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Middle East. The towering white statue of the Virgin Mary — arms extended in blessing — watches over Lebanon with grace, attracting millions of visitors every year, regardless of religion.

This isn’t just a religious site — it’s a place of breathtaking scenery, serenity, and symbolism, offering sweeping views of Jounieh Bay, especially magical at sunset.

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🌟 Top Experiences at Our Lady of Lebanon

⛪ 1. The Statue and Basilica

At 15 tons and 8.5 meters high, the bronze statue of the Virgin Mary stands on a circular base you can climb. The modern Maronite basilica nearby is equally impressive — airy, open, and shaped like a cedar tree.

🚡 2. Téléférique Cable Car Ride

Start your visit with an aerial cable car ride from Jounieh to Harissa. Glide over rooftops, pine trees, and cliffs — one of Lebanon’s top tourist experiences.

🌅 3. Sunset and Viewpoints

From the platform around the statue, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Mediterranean, Beirut in the distance, and the coast below. A favorite spot for quiet reflection or a proposal!

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📸 Best Photo Spots

• The Virgin statue with the sea behind

• Inside the curved walls of the basilica

• Views from the base after sunset

• The cable car mid-air over the mountains

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🛐 Spiritual Significance

• The site was inaugurated in 1908 and is a symbol of unity between Christian and Muslim communities in Lebanon.

• Every year on Annunciation Day (March 25) and Feast of Our Lady (May), thousands gather here in peace and prayer.

• The statue was made in France and brought by sea to Lebanon — symbolizing global devotion.

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🍴 Nearby Places to Eat

• Margherita Ristorante – Italian with views

• Chez Sami (in Jounieh) – Fresh seafood by the water

• Harissa View Café – Coffee with a breathtaking lookout

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🛍 What to Buy

• Religious icons, rosaries, and cedarwood crosses

• Local candles and olivewood carvings

• Souvenir shops line the walkway to the statue

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🛏 Where to Stay

• Portemilio Hotel & Resort (Jounieh)

• Bel Azur Hotel – Seaside, close to the téléférique

• Monte Cassino Boutique Hotel – Elegant and near the bay

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🚘 How to Get There

• 📍 Location: Harissa, Mount Lebanon

• 🚗 40–45 minutes from Beirut by car

• 🚠 Or take the Téléférique from Jounieh (open most days from morning to evening)

• 🚖 Taxis available from Beirut or Jounieh; parking is easy at the top

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🕰 Best Time to Visit