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ACI MENA, Mar 30, 2025 / 07:00 am
Lebanon will soon have its own “camino,” according to the Association of Pilgrimages in Lebanon (APL).
On March 28, the group unveiled its plans for Caminos Lebanon, an innovative project designed to revitalize Christian religious tourism through a unique pilgrimage experience inspired by the renowned Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The launch event, held in Bkerké, the episcopal see of the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch of the Maronite Church in Lebanon, gathered prominent figures, including Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Tourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud, and Father Khalil Alwan alongside a diverse audience of clergy, religious leaders, and stakeholders.
The launch event for Caminos Lebanon was held March 28, 2025, and organized by the Association of Pilgrimages in Lebanon (APL). The innovative project is designed to revitalize Christian religious tourism through a unique pilgrimage experience inspired by the renowned Camino de Santiago in Spain. Credit: Marwan Semaan/ACI MENABeyond hiking
The Caminos Lebanon project seeks to highlight Lebanon’s rich religious heritage by creating a comprehensive network of pilgrimage trails that connect historical and spiritual sites across the country.
During the launch, Father Khalil Alwan, president of the APL, articulated the project’s core 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. Connecting the initiative to the Maronite Patriarchal Synod of 2006, which recognized the importance of religious tourism, Alwan emphasized the spiritual significance of rediscovering mountain trails and the home to numerous shrines, deeply intertwined with the liturgical calendar.
The trail network is ambitious, spanning four distinct routes that traverse Lebanon’s diverse terrain: Religious Mountain Trails will follow historic routes where saints once walked. 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 such as Zahle, Ghosta, and Bchaaleh, offering visitors a deep dive into local traditions and heritage.
Roots of the project
What began as a plan for a single route has expanded into a comprehensive exploration of Lebanon’s spiritual landscape. The APL has been working on the ground since 2009, receiving the blessing of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the East in 2011. As its research has progressed, it has discovered the depth and diversity of Lebanon’s religious heritage.
Currently, the association has published a booklet in Arabic detailing the 24 shrines along the trails. Alwan hopes to secure funding for an English translation to reach a broader international audience. “This is an open invitation for pilgrims and tourists from Lebanon and beyond to walk these trails and experience their spiritual richness,” he said.
Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi described the project as a powerful spiritual initiative. “These paths are trails of faith and holiness, carrying the essence of the divine message,” he said. “When believers walk these paths, they experience popular devotion, which is the source and strength of faith.”
The Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Laura Khazen Lahoud, speaks at the launch event of Caminos Lebanon on March 28, 2025. Credit: Marwan Semaan/ACI MENATourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud framed the initiative as an opportunity for cultural exploration. “The Paths of Lebanon are not merely walking trails,” she affirmed. “They are a spiritual journey and a genuine chance to explore our rich heritage.”
Journey of spiritual unity
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Nour Farra Haddad, a consultant with a doctorate in religious tourism and project coordinator of Caminos Lebanon, provided critical insights into the project’s conception.
Drawing inspiration from the Camino de Santiago, the initiative introduces an innovative “pilgrim’s passport” system. The project showcases Lebanon’s remarkable religious diversity, with over 6,000 religious sites evenly divided between Christian and Muslim landmarks.
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi speaks at the launch event of Caminos Lebanon, a project of the Association of Pilgrimages in Lebanon (APL). Credit: Marwan Semaan/ACI MENAThe trail network spans 24 shrines, each offering a unique spiritual experience. From the Theology of Waiting in Maghdouche to the Personal Relationship with God in Annaya, the paths promise a deep dive into Lebanon’s spiritual landscape.
“These were pedestrian routes, once traveled by Christ and the Romans,” Alwan explained. “For centuries, the faithful walked them to fulfill vows and pray for personal intentions. Today, this initiative allows both Christians and Muslims to reconnect with these sacred paths, engaging in meaningful spiritual conversations along the way.”
As Caminos Lebanon prepares to welcome its first pilgrims, it stands as a reflection of the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Alwan closed by noting: “Lebanon is not a desert, as some abroad may believe. It is a land of breathtaking beauty, home to both Christians and Muslims who have lived here for centuries — a landscape waiting to share its sacred stories with the world.”
This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
Marguerita Kallassy is multilingual communication specialist, fluent in three languages (Arabic- French- English). She holds a Master's degree in conference interpreting.
