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Kafarhata Ancient Monuments

Kafarhata Ancient Monuments

Kafarhata embraces pretty good archeological remains. There are a great number of ancient monasteries, sanctuaries, and churches; to be more specific, we find in Kafarhata two monasteries (Saint John, Saint Mama), two sanctuaries (Saint Zakhia, Chfia Mother), one church (Saint Saba, the patron Saint of the village). Of course we cannot forget the church of the Virgin Mary, which was annexed to Saint Saba church and demolished in the sixties to restore the cracked part of Saint Saba church and to widen its square. By the demolish of this church, Kafarhata lost one of its leading monuments.

But what made up for this loss are the beautiful arch, the very similar Byzantine sculpture and icons, the antique dome and iconostas existing in Saint Saba church. The dome built from over than 100 years is unique of its kind because of its marvelous sculpture designs. The iconostas, or the sculpted wall consecrated for icons' placement, is a real chef d'oeuvre founded in 1875.

On the other hand, what marks also Kafarhata is the multitude of empty sarcophagus spread in Kalah El-Burj, Al-Chaluk, and near Saint Mama monastery as well as the discovery of some jars full of silver coins while digging a land in Al-Karkafi. It's reported that an ancient village had stood up there a long time ago and had dramatically disappeared. It's likely that a huge treasure is buried there but nothing has been confirmed. Still we must wait the archeological digging to be sure.

Mar Saba

Mar Saba on a rainy day. The patron Saint of the village with the antique dome on top that was built more than 100 years ago with its marvelous sculpture designs. The "Wakf" has added a large hall equipped with audio installation that is used during various occasions. (photo by Fares Esber)



Mar Saba

Closer look at Mar Saba old amtique bell tower. (photo by Nicolas Choueiri)

Facts gathered by Marleine Chaiban in the light of the book written by Mr. Gebran jabbour and entitled "Kafarhata History: its families and monuments".