Our Lady of Lebanon (Harissa) | Jounieh

Our Lady of Lebanon is a prominent Marian shrine and pilgrimage site located on a mountain peak 650 meters above sea level in Harissa, Lebanon. It overlooks the Bay of Jounieh and serves as one of the most important religious sites in the Middle East for both Maronite Christians and tourists.

Visual Characteristics

The landmark is defined by a massive 15-ton bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, painted white, standing 8.5 meters tall with her arms outstretched toward Beirut. The statue sits atop a white-painted conical stone pedestal featuring an external spiral staircase. Adjacent to the statue is a modern, soaring glass and concrete cathedral designed to resemble a Lebanese cedar tree and a Phoenician ship.

Location & Access Logistics

The shrine is located in the village of Harissa, approximately 26km north of Beirut and 12km from the city of Jounieh. The most common access is via the Téléphérique de Jounieh, a cable car system that departs from the coastal highway and ascends the mountain in 9 minutes. Alternatively, it is accessible by car via the Harissa mountain road; multiple large, free parking lots are available at the summit.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The shrine was inaugurated in 1908 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The statue was crafted in France by the Durenne foundry and transported to Lebanon in sections. The site is situated on a limestone ridge characterized by Mediterranean scrubland and dense evergreen oak and pine forests that cover the steep slopes of the Keserwan district.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can climb the spiral staircase of the pedestal to reach the base of the statue for panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline. The site includes the modern Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon, the smaller original chapel at the base of the statue, and a Byzantine-style Greek Melkite cathedral. Pilgrims frequently walk the "Pilgrim's Path" that winds up the mountainside from the valley below.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex is highly developed with 5G cellular coverage and multiple public restroom facilities. There are several shaded picnic areas, a cafeteria, and a formal restaurant with terrace seating. A large souvenir shop and religious bookstore are located near the cable car station. The entire plateau is paved and includes ramps for wheelchair accessibility.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is at sunset when the light hits the statue's face and the Jounieh coastline begins to illuminate. Visiting during May, the month of Mary, is significant for religious events, though it is the most crowded period. To avoid large groups, weekday mornings are optimal. The site is open year-round, but cable car operations may be suspended during high winds.

Facts & Legends

A local historical fact is that Pope John Paul II visited the shrine in 1997, followed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, cementing its status as a global site of religious diplomacy. A unique architectural detail is that the base of the statue is only 64 meters in circumference, yet it supports the massive bronze structure through a deep-reaching internal iron framework anchored directly into the mountain rock.

Nearby Landmarks

Telepherique Station (0.1km West)

Basilica of Saint Paul (0.3km South)

Bkerke (Maronite Patriarchate) (2.5km South)

Casino du Liban (4.5km Northwest)

Old Souk of Jounieh (5.0km West)