By Marguerita Kallassy
ACI MENA, Mar 30, 2025 / 07:00 am
Exciting news for Lebanon as the Association of Pilgrimages in Lebanon (APL) announces the upcoming launch of Caminos Lebanon, a unique pilgrimage experience inspired by the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The unveiling of this innovative project took place on March 28 at Bkerké, the episcopal see of the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch of the Maronite Church in Lebanon. The event was attended by key figures such as Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Tourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud, and Father Khalil Alwan, along with a diverse audience of clergy, religious leaders, and stakeholders.
Beyond hiking
The Caminos Lebanon project aims to showcase Lebanon’s rich religious heritage by establishing a network of pilgrimage trails that link historical and spiritual sites throughout the country.
During the launch, Father Khalil Alwan, president of the APL, emphasized the project’s fundamental mission. “Lebanon is not just a country of natural beauty and a pleasant climate; it is a land of saints and a land of message,” he declared.
Exploring Lebanon’s Spiritual Landscape: The Caminos Lebanon Project
In 2006, the Maronite Patriarchal Synod recognized the significance of religious tourism, paving the way for initiatives like Caminos Lebanon. Founder Elias Alwan emphasized the spiritual importance of rediscovering mountain trails housing numerous shrines that are deeply intertwined with the liturgical calendar.
The trail network of Caminos Lebanon is nothing short of ambitious, with four distinct routes spanning Lebanon’s diverse terrain. Religious Mountain Trails will follow historic routes where saints once walked, while Cross Trails will connect areas like Tartij, Qartaba, and Smar Jbeil, allowing pilgrims to walk through the Stations of the Cross. Thematic Trails will trace significant religious journeys, including the footsteps of Jesus in southern Lebanon and the Transfiguration Trail on Mount Hermon. Cultural Religious Trails will highlight regions like Zahle, Ghosta, and Bchaaleh, offering visitors a deep dive into local traditions and heritage.
What initially began as a plan for a single route has now evolved into a comprehensive exploration of Lebanon’s spiritual landscape. The Association for the Protection of Lebanese Heritage (APL) has been diligently working on the ground since 2009, receiving the blessing of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the East in 2011. Through their research, they have uncovered the depth and diversity of Lebanon’s religious heritage.
The association has already published a booklet in Arabic detailing the 24 shrines along the trails and is now seeking funding for an English translation to reach a broader international audience. Elias Alwan envisions this project as an open invitation for pilgrims and tourists from Lebanon and beyond to walk these trails and experience their spiritual richness.
Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi has described the project as a powerful spiritual initiative, highlighting these paths as trails of faith and holiness that carry the essence of the divine message. He believes that believers walking these paths experience popular devotion, which is the source and strength of faith.
At the launch event of Caminos Lebanon in March 28, 2025, Tourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud emphasized the initiative as an opportunity for cultural exploration, stating that the Paths of Lebanon are not merely walking trails. With the support of government officials, religious leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, Caminos Lebanon is set to become a beacon for spiritual and cultural tourism in Lebanon.
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