The Maronite Monastery of our Lady of the Fort (“Deir Saydet El Qalaa”) is the home of a spiritual retreat center since 2005. The center is open to all, individuals, groups and families. The center offers numerous flexible amenities to accommodate anyone looking at experiencing a fruitful and regenarating spiritual retreat within a breath taking natural environment. Communion with nature is a part of the center’s philosophy and encouraged in many ways.
The spiritual retreat center is located nearby the village of Menjez in the far North, Akkar region, of Lebanon, close to the border with Syria. It is home to several interesting historical and religious sites, including Beit Jaalouk (or “Maqam ar-Rabb,” an ancient temple dating from the first century AD), crusader castle ruins (“Qalaat Felis”), and off course, the Maronite Monastery of our Lady of the Fort (“Deir Saydet El Qalaa”). In the valley below the village and Beit Jaalouk are the remains of an ancient Roman canal, with supporting walls 5 meters high. It is interesting to hike along this waterway, both to the east and west of the temple.
The black bazalt stones of the monastery and its location facing Syria over the valley of the An Nahr El Kabir El Janoubi River make it a very special monument. The remains of a Crusader fortress can be seen here. The church was built in 1890 in the Roman Catholic style and is a Maronite monastery today.
Our Lady of the Fortress in the north of Lebanon, is appropriately named because Mary was the strength of this very brave Lebanese Christian population that who held their rosary in one hand and their instrument of defense in the other.
The center amenities include:
- Rates are $10 USD per day per person
- 8 single ensuite bedrooms
- 2 double ensuite bedrooms (4 beds each)
- 2 Dormitories of 14 beds each (more can be arranged)
- Private and Public Washrooms
- Smoking is allowed
- Access to Internet
- Meals are available at flexible times and arrangements
- Excellent restaurants and snac bars nearby
- Medical clinic nearby
- Families and groups are welcomed
- One day visitors are welcomed
- Access to gardens and a great natural hiking paths along rivers
- 24 hour access to a chapel
The center is open all year round. The months of March, April, May, September, October offer ideal weather conditions. Summers can be hot in our neck of the woods. Arrangements can be made to organize leisure and sports activities. Masses are held every day and we can accompany your spiritual retreat if you wish. All is done here in the spirit of sharing and remains as flexible as possible. The center is directed by Father Hanna Skandar. We are confident you will find here, a unique, nourrishing and memorable spiritual journey. Do not hesitate to contact us for special requests or for more information.
Please write:
Notre Dame de la Forteresse, Menjez, Akkar, Liban Nord
(deir saydat al kalaa, menjez, akkar, libanan chimali)
Email
phone: 009616855351
mobile: 0096170298771
