title: St. John's Cathedral, Byblos
text: # St. John's Cathedral, Byblos
  
  St. John's Cathedral is a Romanesque cathedral in the Lebanese city of Byblos. The church is dedicated to St. Jean Mark, Byblos' patron saint and founder of the town's initial Christian community.
  
  ## History
  
  The church was constructed in 1115 by the Crusaders, originally known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. A number of environmental disasters hit the structure including earthquakes, and the church fell into disrepair until 1764, when Yusuf Shihab donated the block to the Lebanese Maronite Order; they restored the building and reopened it in 1776. Shelling during the Oriental Crisis of 1840 once more inflicted damage, but it was repaired; the church is open for visitors today.
  
  ## Gallery
  
  * Baptistery
  * Belfry
  * Templar crest
  * Altar
  