Brissa village features the remnants of a Byzantine-era church, constructed atop a Roman-era temple.
Although formal studies have yet to be conducted on site, I am sharing my personal observations drawn from years of exploring such magnificent monuments, hoping that future research and excavation works may bring more attention to these relics.
Structure
The foundational remains of the former temple, on top of which the church was built, reveal a modest structure, lacking substantial rock-carved decorations. The temple columns once served as main pillars to support an arched nave that led to the central church apse, a semicircular feature still partially visible today. The layout also suggests two side aisles, indicating a larger and significant structure.
Location
The presence of a temple and a church in this area underscores its historical importance as a strategic route linking northern Bekaa to Tripoli. This passageway was originally carved by the Neo-Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II (605–562 BC), who left two unique rock inscriptions in the village as a testament to his work, such as the exploitation of the region’s cedar trees for construction projects in Babylon. You can read more about these inscriptions by clicking here.
Karim Sokhn
Tour Operator & Tour Guide
