Saint Saba medieval double church

The double chapel of Saint Sabas is located on a wooded hill, known as Mar Estfan’s, to the southwest outskirts of the village of Lehfed, on the edge of a cliff which faces the village. Its surroundings present several artisanal installations, notably cisterns which indicate human activity which has now disappeared. The church itself was part of a larger convent complex of which only scant traces currently remain. The church’s current appearance is the result of a restoration carried out in 2010 on the occasion of the beatification of Estéfan Nehmé, originally from the village and who had the habit of praying in these places.
The chapel takes the form of a squarish planned volume with sides measuring 9 m. Its walls, particularly thick (1.50 m), are built with a mixture of medium-sized blocks and rubble, all of which are arranged in an irregular manner. The volume’s interior is divided into two communicating naves via two semi-circular arches supported by pillars. The northern nave is accessible from the only door leading to the chapel’s inner space and placed at its west corner.  Apart from the door, each nave is lit by a window indented by a semicircular arch. These previously completely non-existent windows are one of the fruits of the aforementioned restoration, as are the vaults that cover this space. These vaults, in a barrel shape, have a height of 3.50 m and have a setback on the north side from the face of the wall, a setback which undoubtedly marks the limit between the original wall and the restored area. The apses which close the naves on the eastern side have a diameter of 2.30-2.60 m and a depth of 1.75 m. They are covered by conches which were partially collapsed and rebuilt in 2010. These apses arise from a simple protruding cornice. Several traces of plaster bearing painted red lines still remain on the walls of this apse.

• Route : Circuit Mayfouk pilgrimage
• Village : Lehfed