Saint Maroun Monastery (Tomb of Saint Charbel), Annaya, near Byblos, Mount
Lebanon, Lebanon.
Maronite monks built St. Maron Monastery in the 19th century on a remote
hilltop just outside of Byblos. Over the years, it has become a
frequently-visited shrine where miracles and blessings are said to be bestowed
upon those who believe in Saint Charbel Makhlouf’s extraordinary healing
powers. A church dedicated to Saint Charbel was built next to to the monastery
in 1974. Locals and tourists who have visited the sanctuary return feeling a
subtle sense of peace and spiritual wellbeing from the mountainous retreat
aside from being swept away by the breathtaking views of Adonis Valley and
Beirut in the distance.