10 things to do in The Monastery of Mar Charbel Bcharre Lebanon
The Monastery of Mar Charbel in Bcharre Lebanon is a sacred pilgrimage site that is visited by thousands of people every year. It is a place of great spiritual significance and is home to many ancient and beautiful religious artifacts. Here are 10 things to do when you visit the Monastery of Mar Charbel in Bcharre Lebanon.
1. Visit the Shrine of St. Charbel: The Shrine of St. Charbel is the most important place to visit at the Monastery of Mar Charbel. It is the resting place of St. Charbel, a Maronite monk who was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1977. The shrine is open to visitors and contains many of his personal effects, including his cassock and sandals.
2. Explore the Monastery Grounds: The Monastery of Mar Charbel is located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Bcharre. Its grounds are beautifully landscaped and feature several gardens, a library, a chapel, and a museum. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Attend Mass at the Monastery: The Monastery of Mar Charbel is a place of worship and visitors can attend Mass in its chapel. Services are held every Sunday and are open to all.
4. Visit the Museum: The Monastery of Mar Charbel houses a museum which contains artifacts from St. Charbel’s life and other religious artifacts from the region. Visitors can learn more about the history of the monastery and its significance to the Maronite faith.
5. Take a Hike: The Monastery of Mar Charbel is located at the foot of the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several trails that lead through the valley, offering stunning views and a chance to explore the region’s natural beauty.
6. Visit the Grotto of St. Charbel: Located just outside the monastery walls, the Grotto of St. Charbel is a place of pilgrimage for many Maronite Christians. It is believed that St. Charbel spent much of his time in prayer and contemplation at the grotto.
7. Attend a Concert: The Monastery of Mar Charbel hosts several concerts throughout the year, including performances by local and international artists. These concerts provide a unique cultural experience and are a great way to experience the local music scene.
8. Shop at the Souk: The Monastery of Mar Charbel is located near the town of Bcharre, which is home to a vibrant souk (market). Visitors can explore the souk and purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.
9. Enjoy the Views: The Monastery of Mar Charbel is located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Bcharre and the Qadisha Valley. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
10. Attend a Pilgrimage: The Monastery of Mar Charbel is a popular pilgrimage site for Maronite Christians. Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit the shrine and to pay their respects to St. Charbel.