Ma'loula

Overview

A mountain village 56 km north of Damascus, Ma'loula is one of the last places on Earth where Western Neo-Aramaic — close to the language of Jesus — is still a living tongue.

Significance

A linguistic and spiritual heritage of global importance.

Notable Features

• 01Monastery of Mar Sarkis (Saint Sergius)
• 02Convent of Saint Thecla
• 03Aramaic-speaking community
• 04Cliff-cut chapels
• 05Mountain landscapes and gorges

Major Attractions

• 01

  Monastery of Mar Sarkis

  An ancient monastery on the cliff above the village with one of the oldest Christian altars in the world — semicircular, recalling pre-Christian sacrificial use.

• 02

  Convent of Saint Thecla

  Built around the cave shrine of Saint Thecla; reached by a narrow cleft in the cliff said to have opened miraculously to let her flee her pursuers.

• 03

  Aramaic Language Institute

  A small institute in the village teaching and preserving Western Neo-Aramaic — visitors can hear the Lord's Prayer recited in the language of Jesus.

• 04

  Cliff Gorge

  The dramatic narrow gorge between Mar Sarkis and Saint Thecla — a 15-minute downhill walk between the two monasteries.

Visitor Tips

• ›Combine with Saydnaya on the same day trip from Damascus.
• ›Both monasteries suffered damage during 2013–2014 fighting; restoration is ongoing — respect ongoing work.
• ›Visit on Sunday morning to hear the liturgy partly chanted in Aramaic.

What to Eat Nearby

• Monastery wine

  Mar Sarkis and Saint Thecla both produce small batches of altar wine sold at the door.

• Village mezze

  A handful of family restaurants serve mountain mezze with mountain herbs and dried apricots.

Where to Stay

• Damascus base

  Recommended

  Almost all visitors come on a day trip from Damascus (1 hr).

• Safir Maaloula Hotel

  Damaged / closed

  The historic cliff-top hotel was damaged in the conflict and is not regularly operating.