Ras-Baalbek features the remnants of a church built on top of a temple.
While no formal and concise studies have been conducted on site, I am sharing my personal observation based on years of discovery of such magnificent monuments. Hopefully, further studies and excavations will shed the light on this forgotten monument.
Dating
The church may date to the Byzantine era, similar to many churches across the country that were erected on top of Roman-era temples.
Structure
As mentioned previously, the church stands on the foundations of a Roman-era temple, which are still visible and intact from all sides. The sheer size of the foundations and blocks of stones attest to the significance of the temple that once stood on site.
The church’s layout takes on a rectangular shape, featuring a single nave flanked by two aisles, connected to a central apse. It appears that the nave bordered both aisles through columns reused from the temple.
Approximately, the church measures about 30mx20m.
Attribution
According to local tradition, this church is attributed to Saint Barbara.
*To note that this church is one of many located in Ras-Baalbek, which I will be writing about soon*
Karim Sokhn
Tour Operator & Tour Guide
