The church is dedicated to Saint Jacob, also known as Mar Ya’qub, an apostle of Jesus Christ from the 1st century AD. It stands on the outskirts of the ancient city of Byblos, with a history that encompasses the Byzantine and Crusader eras. Over the years, the church has been renovated several times, most notably in the 20th century, reflecting its long-standing presence.
Although this church is of modern construction, it is situated on a site rich in archaeological remains, with a Byzantine foundation beneath it along with a 19th century Neo-Romanesque design.