Unveiling Lebanon’s Forgotten Heritage Sites: The Lost Saint Maroun Refuge of Hermel, Lebanon
A Hidden Sacred Refuge
There are places in this world where time stands still—where the stones whisper the prayers of the past, and the silence carries the weight of forgotten lives. The Grotto of Saint Maroun is one such place. It is more than just an ancient cave—it is a spiritual time capsule hidden deep in the rugged mountains of Hermel in Lebanon’s Northern Bekaa.
Perched on a cliffside, 100 meters above Ain Al-Zarqa Spring, the grotto gazes down upon the winding Al-Assi River like a silent guardian. It has seen the rise and fall of empires, the devotion of monks, and the resilience of those who sought refuge within its hollowed chambers. The world has long since moved on, leaving the grotto in solitude, but for those who embark on the journey to its sacred depths, a different reality unfolds—one where history is alive, where faith is carved into stone, and where the echoes of the past still linger.
The First Inhabitants: A Shelter Before Time
Long before religion, before civilization, there were only the elements—the river carving its way through the valley, the wind shaping the cliffs, and the cave standing as an eternal witness. Thousands of years ago, as early as 7000 BC, the first humans came seeking shelter.
It is believed that the monastery’s origins trace back to Phoenician times, when people worshipped fertility gods at river sources—as seen in ancient Phoenician sites such as Afqa and Yammouneh. Then, Christians played a crucial role in transforming this belief system, replacing the worship of nature with the worship of the one true God.
Archaeological studies of the Al-Assi River region have revealed evidence of Neolithic settlements dating back more than 7,000 years. While there is no definitive proof that the Grotto of Saint Maroun itself was inhabited continuously during this time, nearby excavations suggest that early humans may have used it as a temporary refuge.
They were wanderers, living off the land, moving with the seasons. The grotto, with its natural fortification and nearby water source, was a sanctuary against the unknown dangers of the wild. The early dwellers left no written words and no grand monuments.
The Roman Transformation: A Palace for Builders
Time passed, and the world outside changed. By the 2nd century BC, the Romans arrived—not as conquerors with swords, but as masters of engineering. Water was the lifeblood of their expanding empire, and Palmyra, needed it to thrive.
The grotto became more than a shelter; it became a way station for Roman laborers and military engineers. With their chisels and steady hands, they carved channels into the stone, shaping basins to collect and transport water. Some say they used the cave as a resting place while constructing aqueducts that stretched across the region, connecting the desert to the heart of the empire.
Roman-era modifications are still visible in the grotto, with evidence of carved water basins and structural reinforcements that suggest possible Roman use. Over time, the site became known as "The Palace of the Builders", a tribute to the men who sought shelter in its depths.
Yet even the greatest empire could not hold back the tides of change. The Romans faded, and something far more powerful than stone and aqueducts took root in the grotto—faith.
The Christian Transformation: The Rise of the Maronites
In the 4th Century AD, as the Roman world fractured and the desert winds carried whispers of a new faith, a man retreated into the wilderness to seek God. His name was Saint Maroun, a mystic who believed that the path to the divine was found not in grand churches, but in solitude, in suffering, in the embrace of the wild. His followers, the Maronites, left the cities behind, escaping persecution and seeking refuge in the mountains of Lebanon.
425 AD – A Gift from the Byzantine Emperor
In 425 AD, when Emperor Theodosius II rewarded Saint Maroun’s monks for their steadfast resistance against the Jacobitese, he granted them the "Palace of the Builders" where they expanded the structure, adding numerous hermitages and converting it into a center of prayer and worship.
They carved narrow windows into the rock, allowing slivers of light to illuminate their chambers. Water wells were built allowing them access to fresh water without leaving the monastery, reducing the risk of discovery and persecution. The monks lived in peace, but faith is often tested.
517 AD – The Massacre of 350 Monks
It is believed that in 517 AD, 350 monks from the "Palace of the Builders" were martyred as they journeyed from their cave monastery toward Saint Simon Stylites Church, north of Aleppo. This tragic event became a defining moment in Maronite history, and July 31st was established as an annual day of remembrance for these martyrs.
After the massacre, the grotto fell into silence and shadow. Time moved forward, but the cave remained untouched, visited only by the occasional hermit or wandering pilgrim. The once-thriving monastic community was gone, and with them, the knowledge of what truly happened within these walls.
Legends persisted—whispered by villagers, carried by the wind—but the world had moved on, leaving the grotto to fade into obscurity.
Until now.
The Legacy of Saint Maroun and the “Cave of the Monks”
In 2018, my visit to the site was documented through photographs capturing its raw, untouched state, with graffiti scattered across its walls. Then, accessing the interior required climbing.
On February 9, 2019, the Feast Day of Saint Maroun, liturgies were held for the first time in modern history at "St. Maroun’s Monastery", also known as "The Monk’s Cave" in Hermel. This historic and spiritual event marked 1,500 years since key moments in Maronite history.
The Architecture of the Grotto: A Monastic Fortress
A Cave Carved by Time and Devotion
Unlike monasteries constructed with stone and mortar, the Grotto of Saint Maroun is a natural cave that was gradually adapted into a monastic retreat. Over time, the grotto was expanded into a multi-level complex, with distinct sections for living, worship, and practical needs.
The Upper Level – The Monks' Living Quarters
The uppermost section of the grotto is believed to have served as the monks' residential area. Small carved chambers, still visible today, likely functioned as sleeping quarters, providing each monk with a private space for solitude and meditation. A larger chamber may have been used as a communal prayer area, where the monks gathered for daily devotion. Storage rooms were likely carved into the rock to preserve food and essential supplies, ensuring their survival in this remote location. The air inside remains cool and damp, offering natural insulation against Lebanon’s harsh summers and cold winters.
The Middle Level – The Sacred Heart of the Grotto
At the center of the grotto lies what is considered its most significant space—a sacred chamber where monks would have conducted their religious practices. A natural rock formation resembling an altar suggests that liturgical ceremonies were performed here, making it the spiritual heart of the sanctuary.
The Lower Level – Water Wells and Escape Routes
The lowest section of the grotto is believed to have been crucial for survival. Underground rainwater basins indicate that the monks relied entirely on natural water collection, ensuring a continuous supply in the absence of external resources. This level also contains narrow passageways that may have functioned as hidden escape routes during periods of persecution, allowing monks to flee undetected into the valley below.
The Fight for Preservation: Will the Grotto Survive?
Despite its historical and spiritual significance, the Grotto of Saint Maroun remains at risk. Unlike Lebanon’s protected monastic sites, this sacred refuge has yet to receive official heritage status or conservation funding.
Heritage groups and archaeologists have identified the grotto as a vulnerable historical site, advocating for its preservation.
For now, the grotto stands at a crossroads: Will it be protected and remembered, or will it be swallowed by time, its history fading into legend?
And stories, when remembered, never truly fade.
Join me on my journey through Lebanon as I explore its soul, uncovering forgotten stories and hidden treasures. Through my travels, I highlight the awe-inspiring wonders of nature, revealing landscapes and secrets long overlooked, where earth’s beauty remains our greatest healer and sanctuary.
Let’s explore, cherish, and protect Lebanon—one trail at a time.
Stay Safe & Tread Lightly
Don’t Go Solo: Always hike with a trusted companion or a professional local guide who understands the terrain. If you need help finding an authentic guide, feel free to reach out—I’ll connect you to the best, safest, and most reliable adventure experts.
Pack In, Pack Out: Carry your trash back with you. Never leave waste behind.
Respect Wildlife & Plants: Avoid stepping on or picking plants, and keep a safe distance from animals. Do not disturb or remove any natural elements.
Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to trail rules, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of fragile habitats.
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way toward preserving the places we love. Enjoy your adventure responsibly, and help keep nature pristine for future generations!
About Nidal Majdalani
Nidal Majdalani is a renowned travel writer, tourism expert, photographer, and explorer, celebrated for her vivid storytelling and passion for Lebanon’s exploration through her “Travelling Lebanon” initiative since 2010, supporting local communities. With over a decade of experience capturing Lebanon’s natural, cultural, historical, and culinary treasures, she is also the sole author of the Lebanon guide for Lonely Planet’s Middle East book- 2025. Through her journeys, Nidal invites readers to see Lebanon through her words and lens, showcasing its hidden gems while curating one-of-a-kind itineraries for unforgettable experiences.
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