Lebanon’s hilltop Marian shrine, with a cable car and panoramic bay views.
Harissa is a hilltop pilgrimage town above Jounieh, about 26 km north of Beirut, best known for the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon — a giant white statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the bay. Reached by a scenic cable car or a winding mountain road, it offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the country.
"Quick facts",
The shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa was created in the early 20th century as a place of Marian devotion. Its centrepiece is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary, her arms outstretched towards Beirut and the bay, which has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Middle East for Christians of all denominations.
Beside the statue stands a strikingly modern cathedral, and pilgrims climb the spiral staircase that winds around the base of the statue to take in the views. For many Lebanese, Harissa is both a place of faith and a beloved family outing.
Climb the spiral staircase around its base for sweeping views.
A bold contemporary cathedral standing beside the shrine.
A scenic ride up from Jounieh with stunning views over the bay.
One of the best vantage points in Lebanon over Jounieh and the coast.
Harissa is about 26 km north of Beirut — roughly a 40-minute drive. You can go by road, but the most memorable way to arrive is on the Téléférique cable car from Jounieh, which glides up the hillside with sweeping sea views. Harissa is often combined with Jeita Grotto and Byblos on a full-day tour.
It’s about 26 km north of Beirut, reachable by road or — more memorably — by the Téléférique cable car up from Jounieh.
The shrine itself is free to visit. The cable car up from Jounieh is ticketed.
The Our Lady of Lebanon shrine — a giant statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking Jounieh Bay — and its spectacular panoramic views.
