On the hill of Harissa, the statue "Our Lady of Lebanon" stands tall, overlooking the bay of Jounieh. This iconic monument was constructed in 1904 through the collaborative efforts of Maronite Patriarch Elias Hoyek, Apostolic Nuncio Charles Duval, and Swiss Jesuit Lucien Cattin, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
From the hilltop and the statue's vantage point, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolds – from the city of Beirut in the south to the expanse of the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and the grandeur of Mount Lebanon in the east.
Crafted in France, the bronze statue measures 8.5 meters in height. Resting on a conical base, a chapel resides within. Ascending to the feet of the statue is facilitated by a spiral staircase composed of 104 steps.
In response to the growing influx of visitors, a grand basilica was erected in the 1980s adjacent to the statue and chapel. Before entering the basilica, it's customary to cover bare shoulders and legs with robes provided upon arrival.
The square that fronts the chapel radiates a poignant ambiance, evoking serenity and tranquility. The soft strains of music accompany a diverse crowd, primarily comprised of visitors from around the world, both Christians and Muslims alike.
