Leave Sidon from the south and drive
on the road leading to Tyre. When you reach the Siniq river, 4 Kilometers
south of Sidon, turn left to go to Darb al Seem an old village famous
for its beautiful scenery. Worth visiting is the sixteenth century
church, although it is hard to spot because it is surrounded on
three sides by buildings. Funerary caves containing sarcophagi have
been found in the village, but these are no longer in evidence.
Continue to Maghdushe, 2 kilometers east of Darb al Seem. At the
entrance of the locality, the statue of our Lady of al Mantara rises
on a high hill. There you can enjoy breathtaking view of Sidon and
of the orchards surrounding it. Next to the statue is the church,
a natural cave where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary used
to wait for Her Son when he came preaching in the area. On the 8th
of September of every year, the people of Maghdushe celebrate the
feast of the Virgin. All the believers of the neighboring villages
participate in this event, which is accompanied by shows and festivals.
This famous and popular ceremony, which attracts a large crowd,
led to the opening of several restaurants where the pilgrims can
eat and rest.
Maghdushe is also famous for orange blossom water extracted from
blossoms of bitter orange trees found in large numbers in the village.
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South Lebanon:
