Saint Charbel el-Hsar  (fortified cave)

The site located in the cliff facing Our Lady Monastery of Mayfouk, on the northern side of the river and known as Saint Charbel el-Hsar, occupies a cavity which opens into the rocky folds of the mountain. Of relatively limited depth and height, the cavity is made up of a main space whose ground is arranged into two main levels which follow the rock’s geological stratification. The open face of the cavity, on the southern side, was closed by a wall built with well-squared blocks arranged in regular courses. An open door in this wall provides access to the interior of the cavity. It is framed by five loopholes, one of which is located on its western side and four on its eastern side. It is those loopholes which give the site a fortified appearance. The appearance of this wall and its loopholes are particularly similar to those of the site of Saint Maron on the Orontes and, more generally, to the Crusaders’ military architecture found in the region.

• Route : Circuit Mayfouk pilgrimage
• Village : Mayfouk