Saint Nohra church (Aramaic Mor Nuhro: Master of Light) was built in memory of Saint Nohra, a Christian missionary of the early centuries who left Manhour in Egypt to preach the Mediterranean coast, when he reached Smar Jbeil he was killed by the king and thrown in a well of the neighborhood castle.
The church stands in the center of Smar Jbeil and is constructed of mixed elements from a roman temple and some later material, notably from medieval times. Partially built with temple debris, the north side of this picturesque church has been modernized. The oldest part is the south wall, which incorporates a medieval window and sections of temple columns. The church features a typical outside stone staircase and a bell tower. The front entrance is decorated with three sculpted chains carved from a single stone. The remains of an earlier church stand nearby. A simple vaulted structure, one of its corners appears to be a section of a classical altar. The area around the castle is worth exploring.
The village celebrates its patron feast the 22d of July. |
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