A hilltop Marian shrine above the southern coast, near Sidon.
Maghdouche is a hilltop town just above the coast near Sidon, famous for the shrine of Our Lady of Mantara — ‘Our Lady of Awaiting.’ According to tradition, the Virgin Mary rested here while waiting for Jesus, and today the sacred cave, hilltop tower and panoramic views make it a peaceful and moving stop in the south.
"Quick facts",
The shrine of Our Lady of Mantara marks the spot where, by tradition, the Virgin Mary waited for Jesus as he preached in the south. A sacred grotto has been venerated here since early Christian times, and today it is crowned by a tall tower topped with a statue of the Virgin and Child.
The venerated grotto at the heart of the shrine.
A landmark tower topped by a statue of Our Lady, visible for miles.
Sweeping vistas over Sidon and the southern coast.
Maghdouche is about 50 km south of Beirut, just inland from Sidon — roughly a 50-minute drive. It’s usually included on a full-day tour of the south alongside Sidon and Tyre.
The shrine of Our Lady of Mantara — a sacred cave where, by tradition, the Virgin Mary waited for Jesus — and its panoramic coastal views.
About 50 km — roughly a 50-minute drive, just inland from Sidon.
No — the shrine is free to visit, though donations are welcome.
