 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2022) |
Qozhaya
دير مار أنطونيوس قزحيا | |
|---|---|
City | |
 The Monastery of Qozhaya - July 2003 | |
  Qozhaya Location within Lebanon | |
| Coordinates: 34°16′59″N 35°56′50″E / 34.28306°N 35.94722°E | |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Governorate | North Governorate |
| District | Zgharta District |
| Elevation | 664 m (2,178 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Dialing code | +961 |
Monastery of Saint Anthony of Qozhaya, or Monastery of Qozhaya (also Qazahya; Syriac: ܕܝܪܐ ܕܡܪܝ ܐܢܛܘܢܝܘܣ ܩܘܙܚܝܐ, Arabic: دير مار أنطونيوس قزحيا) is a large and important Maronite monastery.[1] It is located in the Zgharta District in the North Governorate of Lebanon.
The Monastery of Qozhaya holds significant importance within Maronite tradition and history. Its origins date back to the 13th century, serving as a residence for monks and, at one point, functioning as the headquarters of the Maronite Patriarchate. In the 16th century, it housed the Middle East's first printing press, which is still accessible to visitors. Its land holdings extended to the surrounding areas of the Kadisha Valley.[1]
The monastery features a notable church, housing for nuns and monks, and an expansive cave known as the Grotto of Saint Anthony. Known for its association with various events, it also offers a guest house.[1]
- ^ a b c Najem, Tom; Amore, Roy C.; Abu Khalil, As'ad (2021). Historical Dictionary of Lebanon. Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East (2nd ed.). Lanham Boulder New York London: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 215. ISBN 978-1-5381-2043-9.