17 Facts You Must Know About The Biblical Town Of Qana In Lebanon
The Biblical village of Qana Al-Jalil, or Cana, in the heart of southern Lebanon, is home to sacred sites and historical relics that make it a top destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. This has officially placed Qana, and rightfully so, on the map of religious tourism in Lebanon.
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#1 Qana hosts the relics of large Vats of the time of Christ
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As reported in the Bible, these large water barrels hosted Christ's first recorded miracle when he transformed the water into wine at the Wedding of Qana.
#2 The prophet Al-Jalil has a sanctuary in Qana
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Prophet al-Jalil is believed to be the father of the bride of the Biblical Qana Wedding and is revered by the Shia community in Lebanon, according to a report by L'Orient Le Jour .
Other opinions state that the sanctuary is dedicated to a prophet who was a pious Shia sheikh and a religious teacher. The sanctuary in Qana is a place of worship. The shrine where he is buried is located in Al-Sharqiya, also a southern town.
#3 Qana has a historical Grotte dedicated to Virgin Mary
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Historically, this cave is said to have sheltered the first persecuted Christians in the region. It has become a place for worship consecrated to Virgin Mary since the early 2000s and is visited by pilgrims from all over the world.
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The traces of fire visible on the inside walls date back to 1982 when Israeli soldiers raided the south and set fire in the cave, as reported in the article "Qana, the bride of martyrdom and heroism" published on the Lebanese Army's website.
#4 Qana hosts a series of reliefs dating back to 1st century AD
Jean Pierre
Sculpted in the rocks, these ancient reliefs represent Biblical scenes of the time of Christ; the Last Supper, and also the resurrection of Lazarus, and the Virgin Mary and her child.
#5 Tourists seek it also for King Hiram's Sarcophagus
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This sarcophagus is known as one of the largest in Lebanon, measuring 4 meters in length, and is located on the road linking Qana to Tyre in the village of Hanawey. Archeologists have stated that the remains inside the sarcophagus belong to King Hiram of Tyre.
#6 Qana's Church of St. Joseph was ravaged by fire and rebuilt according to tradition
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The Greek Catholic Church of St. Joseph is over 100 years old. It dates back to 1906 and is located in what's known as the Christian district of the town.
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#7 A large statue of Holy Mary rises in magnificence behind the church
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The large statue is practically new. It was gifted to the parish in 2011 by Margot Tyan, mother-in-law of Amine Gemayel, former President of the Republic.
#8 Qana is home to Sayeda Salha's shrine
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The Shia community seeks it for prayers and meditation, and light up candles on Thursday nights for blessings.