Destination · Qalamoun mountains
Maaloula & Saidnaya
Mountain villages where Aramaic, the language of Christ, is still spoken.
Region
Qalamoun, north of Damascus
Best time
March–May · September–November
Time needed
Half a day to a full day
From Damascus
About 1 hour by road
Why go
A village between rock and memory.
Maaloula’s houses climb a cliff face above a narrow gorge. It is one of the few places where a form of Aramaic is still spoken.
Nearby Saidnaya is home to a monastery that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Together they make a quiet, reflective day out of Damascus.
Highlights
- Mar Taqla Convent and the gorge walk
- Mar Sarkis Monastery
- Hearing Aramaic spoken in the village
- Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery
- Views over the Qalamoun mountains
When to go
Best in spring and autumn.
Spring · Mar–May
Fresh mountain air and green slopes.
Summer · Jun–Aug
Cooler than Damascus, good for an escape.
Autumn · Sep–Nov
Clear days and soft light on the rock.
Winter · Dec–Feb
Cold, with snow some years.
Getting there
An easy drive north of Damascus by private car. It fits in a day trip or on the road to Homs.
Good to know
- Modest dress for monasteries
- Wear good shoes for the gorge path
- The village is hilly with many steps
- Respect services and prayer times
Combine with
Damascus, or continue north to Homs and the Krak des Chevaliers.
Travel with Juzoor
Plan a visit to Maaloula.
As a day from Damascus or part of a longer route north.
