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Harissa is a mountaintop pilgrimage site located 650 meters above the Mediterranean Sea.
Most visitors arrive at this religious site via a 15-minute cable car ride from the coastal bay of Jounieh. At the summit, you will find a 15-ton bronze statue of the Virgin Mary and a striking modern basilica.
Because this is an active place of prayer, modest dress is required to enter the shrine. See Dress Code & Packing for specific clothing guidelines before you pack.
20 minutes one-wayFrom $8 USD
This scenic cable car connects the coastal bay of Jounieh directly to the steep mountain peak of Harissa. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Try to sit facing the water on the way up for clear views of the Mediterranean Sea. Individual tickets are roughly $8 USD.
30 minutesModest dress required
The centerpiece is a 15-ton bronze statue of the Virgin Mary with outstretched arms. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase inside its base to reach the top viewing platform. Remember to dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. This area remains an active place of prayer and pilgrimage.
15 minutesActive place of worship
This massive concrete and glass basilica sits next to the shrine. Its unique architecture is shaped to resemble both a cedar tree and a Phoenician ship. Step inside to appreciate the vast scale of the interior. The massive glass window perfectly overlooks the bay.
