# Deir Kifa Castle

- **Country:** Lebanon

Deir Kifa, also known as Dayr Kifa, is a historic municipality situated in the Tyre District of Lebanon's South Governorate. Perched approximately 540 meters above sea level, the village lies roughly 107 kilometers southwest of Beirut and just 16 kilometers from the district center of Tyre. The name itself carries deep historical roots, derived from Syriac Aramaic where "Kifa" translates to rock, a term also associated with Saint Peter in Greek tradition. Consequently, the full name is often interpreted to mean "The convent of Kifa," reflecting the area's long-standing religious significance dating back to early Christian times.

The site boasts a rich archaeological heritage, with observations from the 19th century confirming its ancient origins. In 1875, the French explorer Victor Guérin documented the presence of cisterns hollowed directly into the bedrock and cut stones of ancient appearance, indicating that the modern village was built upon the foundations of a much older settlement. At that time, it was noted as a community situated on a high hill with a population of Metualis. These physical remnants serve as tangible links to the past, showcasing the strategic and enduring nature of human habitation in this elevated location.

Today, Deir Kifa functions as a municipality with a unique demographic profile. While the total population associated with the village is estimated at around five thousand people, only about one thousand currently reside within the village itself. The majority of its native sons and daughters have established lives abroad in countries such as Brazil, the United States, Germany, and various Persian Gulf nations, or have moved to the capital city of Beirut in search of employment opportunities. Despite this diaspora, the village remains a defined cultural and geographic entity within southern Lebanon, preserving its historical identity amidst modern demographic shifts.

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deir_Kifa#Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)