MONASTERY OF SAINT-CHARBEL (CHARBEL YOUSSEF MAKHLOUF)

This monastery is very famous and the tomb of Saint Charbel has become a real place of pilgrimage. In the neighbouring room, located in the basement of the monastery, there are showcases of the saint's relics. Maronite masses are regularly given. A little further on, a modern church dominates the valley, with a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding valleys. It is possible to combine this religious trip with gastronomic discoveries since the convent offers its local products to visitors (mouneh, wine, arak, vinegar, jams, pickles, spices and essences of medicinal herbs). The visit can be done easily in less than an hour.

The village of Aannaya also has about ten restaurants. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating.

Above the monastery, on a promontory 2 km from the village, the hermitage of Saint-Charbel culminates where the saint lived for the last 23 years of his life from 1875 to 1898. This small stone building, composed of a small chapel and 5 cells, overlooks a valley dotted with terraced crops.