Ras Baalbek
Village in Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ras Baalbek (Arabic: رأس بعلبك) is a village in the northern Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.
LebanonRas Baalbek
رأس بعلبك | |
|---|---|
Village | |
Our Lady of Ras Baalbek Convent | |
  Ras Baalbek Location in Lebanon | |
| Coordinates: 34°15′35″N 36°25′25″E | |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Governorate | Baalbek-Hermel |
| District | Baalbek |
| Elevation | 3,300 ft (1,000 m) |
| Population (2015) | |
• Total | 6,000 |
History
Ras Baalbek is 500 metres west of a Neolithic rock shelter called Ras Baalbek I.
To the east there are ruins that are alleged to be the remains of a Roman aqueduct. Inhabitants of the village have confirmed it was once called "Connaya," suggesting a link to the ancient settlement of Conna, mentioned in the work of Antonius.[1] Notable features include the monastery of "Our Lady of Ras Baalbek" (Deir Saidat ar-Ras) and two Byzantine churches. One church is in the centre of the village and the other lies by the Roman aqueduct.[1]
In 1838, Eli Smith noted Ras Baalbek's population as being predominantly Catholic Christian.[2]
Demographics
Around 6,000 people live in Ras Baalbek. The population is entirely Christian, mainly Greek Catholic,[3][4] having switched from Greek Orthodoxy in 1721.[5]
.svg){kind=small}