After the Maronites settled in Lebanon in the areas of the Jubbat, the Qadisha Valley, Qozhaya, and Qannoubine in the Northern part of Lebanon, their community flourished with hermits and ascetics. Many retreated to the natural caves and hermitages, especially of the Qadisha Valley.

“Soon monasteries multiplied on the hills, hermits populated the flanks of the mountains, perched on overhanging rocks or nestled in caves.”

Mar Semaan monastery is located inside Kannoubine valley. A newly launched trail from Bkerkasha leads to this beautiful hermitage hanging on the mountin cliff.