Thalthatha, the ancient name of Nebi Safa village, also still know today as Kfarmeshki village (Kfarmeshki meaning the village of leather), houses an imposing Roman temple facing the splendid Mount Hermon in a unique and unparalleled spectacle.
Open to the east, and built following the Ionic order, most of the temple structure is in ruins, while the only wall still standing with its pilasters is the one on the north side.
Impressive columns embellish the entrance on the western side and one can see an altar and a stairway leading to an underground chamber.
No inscriptions were found on site that can help scholars identify the deity venerated at the temple.
Local tales suggest that the temple was used by the Druze for a certain period of time as a sanctuary dedicated to their prophet Safa, descendant of Jacob.
Legend has it that the honorable body of Nebi Safa is believed to lie somewhere in the grounds accompanied by his spirit and an ancient tradition has it that one day a man with sufficiently deep faith will uncover it.
Karim Sokhn
Tour Operator & Tour Guide
References:
La Vie Religieuse Au Liban Sous L’Empire Romain – Julien Aliquo
