Monastery of Saint Maron


The Monastery of Saint Maron, also called the Cave of the monks, is an ancient cavern - used as a Maronite monastery - carved out of solid rock in the side of a cliff, located around from Ain ez Zarqa, the source of the Orontes river, and south of Hermel in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, northern Lebanon. It is named after Saint Maron whose life and works at the location is associated with the establishment of the Maronite Church.

History

The cavern-monastery is situated above the river. Probably was initially created during the second century and used as a small refuge for worship in the mountains. It consists of three levels with rock stairways, numerous altars, and small cells, suggested to have been the residence of Saint Maron and his early followers in the fourth century AD, during the foundation of the Maronite Church. It is suggested that Maron worked and even died in the monastery.
Even if greatly damaged during Arab conquest of the region, later occupation in Mamluk and Ottoman empire periods is attested by loopholes cut into the walls. The monastery is commonly thought to have been constructed by Romans, however the date, builders and origins of the structure are not certain.
The structure has fallen into disrepair, having been used as shelter for sheep, goats, and the occasional shepherd over the years.

Restoration

The cavern is located on land owned by the Ministry of Energy and Water of Lebanon, but has been the subject of an ongoing dispute between the Maronite Archdiocese and the Dandash family, who stakes an old claim on the land. The Maronite Archdiocese has retained rights to renovate the landmark and has stated intentions to begin a restoration project.
The site has only reported to have been cleaned and no work has started on the monument, even if suggested to be of national importance.