The fine looking late 18th-century Maronite Deir al Qalaa (Ministry of the Fortress) was built on top of a first-century Roman temple dedicated to Baal Marqod (Lord of the Dance). Some of the original foundation walls and three columns are still clearly visible.

From the end of the Civil War until 2005, the monastery was used as barracks by the Syrian army, which left it destroyed and covered with graffiti. Reconstruction of the site has recently finished and the result is well worth a visit.