Our Lady of the Gate

The stone church of Our Lady of the Gate beside a deep vaulted arch, its steps rising to a door under a wooden canopy

The Shrine and Church of Our Lady of the Gate are located within the walls of the ancient city of Byblos, near the western gate adjacent to the castle and leading to the old market of the city. That’s why it became known as Our Lady of the Gate. The tradition dates to the era of the Crusaders, specifically the 11th and 12th centuries. Supporting this tradition is the fact that the church is situated next to the Crusader section of the castle, which served as a palace for the princes of the House of Embriaco. Additionally, the Crusaders built churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, their first patron saint, including the present-day Church of St. John-Mark in the city of Byblos. It is believed that Our Lady of the Gate was originally a cottage discovered by a Western archaeologist in 1655, who transformed it into a church for the poor Christians.

In 1763, when the devout and zealous Al-Dahdah family assumed power in Byblos, they restored the Church of Our Lady of the Gate and entrusted it to the Lebanese monks who continue to serve it to this day.

The oil painting of the Virgin holding the Divine Child above the altar, set with flowers and candles

The church of Our Lady of the Gate can accommodate approximately thirty people. It contains an oil painting of the Virgin Mary with her pure and expressive smile, holding the Divine Child in her right hand, bestowing blessings. Due to its proximity to the old mosque of Byblos, it has become a place of respect, a source of intercession, and a shrine visited by both Christians and Muslims alike for prayer and blessings. It has been a customary practice for believers to visit Our Lady of the Gate to make oaths and vows in her presence, believing that she guarantees their well-being and reveals falsehood. People have recognized her as a mother of justice and an advocate for truth, seeking her help with trembling hearts to resolve their mysterious and unresolved problems and issues. The failed oath falls apart, while the truth remains steadfast for its rightful claimants.

The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at Our Lady of the Gate every Saturday. The people of Byblos honor Our Lady of the Gate on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15th of each year. From there, a Marian procession takes place to St. John-Mark Cathedral to celebrate its feast day, as well as to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Our Lady of the Gate above its garden of olive trees and old stones, inside the walls of the city