Afqa Grotto (Spring Cave)
The impressive Afqa Grotto - located in a large cliff 200 meters up - is the source and spring of Nahr Ibrahim and spits huge amounts of water, which is most impressive in winter. It is said to be the place where Adonis first met and kissed Astarte (Venus in Roman and Aphrodite in Greek) and where he was subsequently killed by a wild boar dispatched by Astarte’s jealous husband. Each spring, the river turns red with ‘the blood of Adonis’, which in reality is caused by the water picking up minerals. Depending on the season, you can climb up the steep wall toward the cavern. In summer, the low water level even allows you to explore parts of its tunnels, which cover several kilometers.
Close to the cave, a bit further down, are the remains of a temple, including a shrine, dedicated to Astarte. Although it is unclear who built this temple, the granite Egyptian columns suggest it must have been someone powerful and wealthy. The temple was destroyed by the Byzantine emperor Constantine in order to get rid of pagan cults. Nowadays, it is a pilgrim’s place for both Christians and Shi’ite Muslims attributing to it healing and fertile powers.
Leaving the ruins while heading down the narrow asphalt road, there is a good spot offering pretty views of the spring and the two old stone arched bridges located at the foot of the waterfall.
From Byblos to the Afqa Grotto by car, head east toward Annaya and Ehmej and then keep straight toward Aqoura. About three and a half kilometers after Aqoura, take the left fork up toward Afka, Lassa and La Reserve. From there, keep straight toward the valley floor until you reach the water spitting cave on your left. Duration: 75 min.
Close to the cave, a bit further down, are the remains of a temple, including a shrine, dedicated to Astarte. Although it is unclear who built this temple, the granite Egyptian columns suggest it must have been someone powerful and wealthy. The temple was destroyed by the Byzantine emperor Constantine in order to get rid of pagan cults. Nowadays, it is a pilgrim’s place for both Christians and Shi’ite Muslims attributing to it healing and fertile powers.
Leaving the ruins while heading down the narrow asphalt road, there is a good spot offering pretty views of the spring and the two old stone arched bridges located at the foot of the waterfall.
From Byblos to the Afqa Grotto by car, head east toward Annaya and Ehmej and then keep straight toward Aqoura. About three and a half kilometers after Aqoura, take the left fork up toward Afka, Lassa and La Reserve. From there, keep straight toward the valley floor until you reach the water spitting cave on your left. Duration: 75 min.