"Ma'aloula" Ma`lula by albateh

Ma`lula Travel Guide: 50 reviews and 206 photos

The Village - Blue Houses

By far, the most important Christian site in Syria, is the magnificent village of Maaloula. In Syria it means "the entrance", probably referring to the gorge in between the mountains. Maaloula is the only village in the world that still speaks Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. This village, with its houses piled on top of one another on the side of the mountain, makes it one of the prettiest villages in Syria.

Saint Taqla

Mar. Taqla

Although Maaloula dates back very far in history, there are only two chapels and few remains that date very far back. The first chapel is the St. Sergius convent (Mar Sarkis), a Greek Catholic chapel, has a beautiful display of icons on the entrance to the altar. This chapel is considered one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Christendom. Downward into the village is the other chapel, a Greek Orthodox institution dedicated to St Thecla (Mar Taqla), is located in the lower monastery. The Saint, said to be a pupil of St Paul's, is supposed to be buried in the mountain just above the monastery.

The Path

To the side of Mar Taqla a path leads to a very narrow cleft-you can touch both sides of it-dug by the waters draining down from the plateau. This steep passage was for ages the only access to the upper monastery, Mar Sarkis. It is dangerous to use during stormy weather.

Last visit to Ma`lula: Apr 2007
Intro Updated Feb 29, 2012
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MalenaN Oct 21, 2007 at 3:36 AM

Hi Rami! How are you? Great photos from Maalula, it is a lovely place.
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Mcclovis Aug 7, 2007 at 8:28 AM

Next time I visit Syria I will go to here. Perfect photos as always, Peter