Section 5 : Sir Ed Danniye – Ehden

Mar Mama Church
Church of our Lady of Hosn
St. George Church
Ehden Midan Square

 

Mar Mama Church

This is the oldest maronite church in Lebanon. It was built in 749 A.D. and the original name was Memas Le Berger, a saint martyr who died in the 3rd century A.D. The building was reconstructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s and has now a cubic form with double aisles separated by arches, whereas the original plan consisted of three. There are Greek inscriptions on some of the stones of the church, as well as engraved crosses.

 Church of our Lady of Hosn

The church is built on top of the mountain, on a very strategic position. Most probably the site was used in the roman period, and later on, as a watching tower. This could explain its name “Al Hosn”, fortress. In 1980, a new church was added to the old one that dates back to a few centuries. The site offers a panoramic view of Northern Lebanon.

St. George Church

Located a few steps ahead of the Midan square, Saint George church was built in the late 1940’s after the demolition of a medieval church decorated with frescos. Today, it is considered among the most visited attractions of the town because it keeps the mommy of Youssef Bey Karam, the Lebanese hero.

 

 

Ehden Midan Square

Ehden is the summer residence of Zgharta and is scarcely inhabited in winter. Its history goes back to the Roman period. During the crusades, it was located in the area called Bqoufa. According to local traditions, the actual village was built in the 15th century. 18th and 19th century houses and souks are built around Midan square which houses today many restaurants and cafes, and is sleepless in summer.