Kadisha Valley, also Qadisha Valley, Kadisha Gorge, Wadi Kadisha is a gorge
that lies within the Becharre and Zgharta Districts of the North Governorate
of Lebanon. The Valley contains many natural caves have been used as shelters
and for burials back as far as the Palaeolithic period. It has sheltered
Christian monastic communities for many centuries. Kadisha Valley was
inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
The Monastery of Qozhaya holds significant importance within Maronite
tradition and history. Its origins date back to the 13th century, serving as a
residence for monks and, at one point, functioning as the headquarters of the
Maronite Patriarchate. In the 16th century, it housed the Middle East's first
printing press, which is still accessible to visitors. Its land holdings
extended to the surrounding areas of the Kadisha Valley.
St Anthony Monastery features a notable church, housing for nuns and monks,
and an expansive cave known as the Grotto of Saint Anthony.
St Anthony Monastery is located in Qozhaya Valley, one of the ramifications of
Qadisha Valley listed as World Heritagesite by UNESCO.
The Museum of this Monastery presents the first printing press in the Middle
East dating from 1585. The Exhibition includes religious objects and
vestments,in addition to gifts from kings, some clay pots and ancient
agricultural tools.