Harissa
Area Hilltop Marian shrine and pilgrimage site near Jounieh
Above Jounieh, Harissa hosts the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine and a large Marian statue reached by cable car. Pilgrims and sightseers visit for religious services, panoramic views over the bay and nearby restaurants.
Harissa is a hill and Marian pilgrimage site in the Mount Lebanon Governorate overlooking the coastal town of Jounieh. The site is best known for the large statue and shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, erected in the early 20th century and oriented toward Jounieh Bay.
The complex includes devotional spaces and viewpoints overlooking the bay and coastline. A public cable car from Jounieh provides direct access and is the principal transport link used by visitors.
Harissa sits above the coastal strip of Mount Lebanon and forms part of the pilgrimage and tourist circuit north of Beirut, offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean and the cityscape of Jounieh.
- Our Lady of Lebanon statue: The site is crowned by a large statue of the Virgin Mary erected in 1908 that faces Jounieh Bay and has become a focal point for pilgrimages.
- Cable car access: A publicly operated cable car links the coastal town of Jounieh with the shrine, providing an approximately 10-15 minute ride and a widely used access route for visitors.
How to Get to Harissa #
Harissa sits above the coastal town of Jounieh. From Beirut take the coastal highway north to Jounieh (roughly 20 km, depending on your start point); shared minibuses or taxis run frequently to Jounieh. From Jounieh you can take the famous Téléphérique (Jounieh cable car) from the bay up to Harissa-the cable car station is on the Jounieh waterfront and the top station is a short 5-10 minute walk from the shrine.
You can also drive: follow the coastal road to Jounieh and then the local mountain road up to Harissa; parking is available near the pilgrimage site.
Tips for Visiting Harissa #
- Take the Jounieh teleferique (cable car) from the coastal town of Jounieh - it's the most scenic approach and drops you close to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue and basilica.
- Late afternoon into early evening gives the best light for views across Jounieh Bay and cooler conditions; avoid weekends and major religious feast days if you want fewer crowds.
- Many visitors miss the high-level viewing terraces around the statue - spend time on the platforms around the shrine for sweeping coastal panoramas and good photo angles.
Best Time to Visit Harissa #
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times for comfortable weather and clearer views from Harissa.
Weather & Climate near Harissa #
Harissa's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1058 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (238 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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