UNESCO granted temporary enhanced protection to several cultural sites in Lebanon in 2026

The Feliceum Castle, Saydet El Kal3aa Monastery, and megalithic tombs in the town of Mnejz, Akkar District, are now under temporary enhanced protection by UNESCO. The castle site contains church remains and serves as a Crusader-era archaeological complex. Archaeological studies suggest the nearby megalithic tombs date to the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages, representing funerary practices from the fourth and third millennia BC.

In Anfeh, Koura District, excavations at the Byzantine-era Saydet El Rih Church have revealed an altar and mosaic floors. A room in the southern section and a floor in the northern section also contain mosaics from the same period. During the Crusader period, builders reconstructed the church, adding a western portico, a northern room, and wall paintings. The site also includes a water system consisting of rock-cut cisterns and connecting channels for collecting rainwater.