Harissa & Jounieh

About this destination

Our Lady of Lebanon is Lebanon’s national Marian shrine. A large bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, inaugurated in 1908, stands with arms open toward the coast. The site is administered in the Maronite tradition and draws pilgrims and visitors of many backgrounds — Christians, Muslims and Druze among them — for prayer, views and shared devotion.

Below the shrine, Jounieh (جونية) is a coastal city in Keserwan known for its bay, marina-side promenade and evening dining. The two places work as a pair: bay and town at sea level, sanctuary and panorama on the ridge.

The Jounieh–Harissa téléphérique has linked the seaside road to the hill since 1965. The operator describes a one-way ride of about 9 minutes over roughly 1.6 km from Haret Sakher / Jounieh up to the Harissa station, with tickets that also cover the funicular continuation toward the sanctuary. Hours and operation change with season, maintenance and weather — confirm before you go.

Source framing: shrine history (standard heritage accounts of Our Lady of Lebanon); téléphérique facts from the operator FAQ (teleferiquelb.com).

Téléphérique hours, tickets and weather closures change. Prefer the operator’s current channels (teleferiquelb.com) over older travel blogs. Shrine etiquette matters more than photo spots — dress respectfully.

What to see & do

Our Lady of Lebanon shrine — The white-painted bronze statue and sanctuary terrace above Jounieh Bay. Expect stairs, viewpoints and a pilgrimage atmosphere. Dress modestly and keep noise down near prayer spaces.

Basilica & sanctuary grounds — The modern basilica and surrounding terraces sit near the statue. Allow time to walk the viewpoints west toward Beirut and the Mediterranean.

Téléphérique (cable car) — Bicable gondolas from the Jounieh seaside station up the pine-clad slope. The ride itself is a main reason many visitors come; panoramic bay views are the highlight when cabins are running.

Funicular to the sanctuary — From the upper téléphérique station, a short funicular typically continues toward the shrine (included with téléphérique tickets per the operator). Confirm what your ticket covers at the desk.

Jounieh waterfront — Promenade, marina and seafood restaurants along the bay. Easy to pair as lunch or evening after the hill visit — or as a stand-alone coastal stop if the cable car is closed.

Bay views & sunset — Clear evenings from Harissa look across Jounieh Bay toward the sea. Crowds grow on weekends and feast days.

Planning a visit

• From Beirut / BEY: typically about 30–60 minutes north toward Jounieh / Keserwan, depending on traffic. • Time needed: 2–3 hours for téléphérique + shrine + viewpoints; longer if you add a Jounieh meal or walk. • Téléphérique: base station on the seaside road at Haret Sakher–Jounieh (~16 km north of Beirut per the operator). Buy one-way or round-trip at Jounieh or Harissa stations when open. • Confirm operation: hours change with season and maintenance; weather and technical checks can pause rides. Check the operator (teleferiquelb.com / their social channels) on the day — do not rely on old blog schedules. • Tickets & prices: published fares change with currency and policy. We do not list fixed prices here — ask at the station or on the official site. Operator notes that téléphérique tickets include the funicular to the sanctuary. • Alternative access: road/taxi up to Harissa if the cable car is closed or you prefer to drive. • Dress: modest clothing for the shrine; comfortable shoes for stairs and terraces. • Combine with: Jeita Grotto and/or Byblos only if you start early — three major stops make a long day. • Families: operator mentions playground/foodcourt areas at the téléphérique complex when facilities are open — confirm on site. • Travel advice: check current official advice for your passport before any day-trip planning.