Monastery of Mar Lishaa (Saint Elisha)

The Monastery of Mar Lishaa, dedicated to Saint Elisha, is carved into the cliffs of the Qadisha Valley at an elevation of about 1,225 meters. First documented in the 14th century, the monastery is believed to preserve architectural elements dating back to the 12th century. It has long been associated with Maronite hermits and the Discalced Carmelites, and includes rock-cut chapels, small monastic cells, and a traditional refectory. There are two monasteries bearing the name Mar Lishaa: an upper monastery reached by the main road and an older monastery lower in the valley. Both are located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Qadisha Valley and Forest of the Cedars of God, inscribed in 1998.