This tranquil Druze holy place dedicated to the prophet Zachariah has been marked here for nearly three centuries, according to an inscription found during reconstruction of the building, and replaced over the door.
The sacred site (maqam) is located on the northern outskirts of Abu Snan, a town of 10,000 Muslims, Christians and Druze.
The small white-domed building has been rebuilt to display elements of the older structure. A tray of candles stands next to the door, to be lit by the faithful when making a vow. Inside, a short flight of stairs leads down to a cave where tradition says the prophet Zachariah prayed. Mysterious stories about the site abound, including one of buried treasure, and another about a gargantuan guardian-snake.
The congenial Yusuf Kheir, who retired from a long civil service career to care for and renovate this site as an educational and spiritual center, likes to welcome visitors and show them around.
Maqam Nebi Zakariya is located off Abu Snan’s northeastern periphery road. To coordinate your visit, call Yusuf Kheir at 052-875-8605 or 04-980-4370