Ras Baalbek

For the archaeological site of this name, see Ras Baalbek I.

Ras Baalbek (Arabic: رأس بعلبك) is a village in the northern Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.

Ras 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	3,000 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]