"Mushabbak Church" Dar Ta`izzah by MM212

Dar Ta`izzah Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 26 photos

One of the best-preserved churches in the 'dead cities' of northwestern Syria, al-Mushabbak is located about halfway between Aleppo and Saint Simeon. The church dates from the late 5th century AD and was built to provide an initial stop along the important pilgrimage route to Saint Simeon. As a result, the best craftsmen and architects were provided for the construction, as evidenced by the church's architecture. Mushabbak Church has survived remarkably intact: if a roof, windows and a door were added, the church would be complete. It is located a mere 25 minute drive from Aleppo, only a short detour from the main road. It is thus still an indespensible stop along the route to Saint Simeon.

Note: The abandoned Church of Mushabbak is located 5 km south-east of the town of Daret Azzeh (spelt here "Dar Ta'izzah"), on the road from Aleppo to Saint Simeon. Due to the lack of an appropriate location for Moushabbak Church, I have chosen the closest town I could find to write about it.

Syria & Lebanon itinerary in Mar 2008:

Damascus - Hama - Apamea - Aleppo - Saint Simeon - Mushabbak Church - Hama - Homs - Damascus - Beqaa Valley & Beirut

Last visit to Dar Ta`izzah: Mar 2008
Intro Updated May 14, 2008
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Reviews (14)

Daret Azzeh Things to Do (14)

The town of Daret Azzeh is located about 5 minutes away from Mushabbak Church. While not a glamour spot, Daret Azzeh is... more travel advice

Mushabbak seen from the road - Dar Ta`izzah

Lone church on an isolated hill... Things to Do (14)

For 1500 years, the Church of Mushabbak has stood alone on a barren hill off the important pilgrimage road to Saint... more travel advice

Interior of the Omayyad Mosque - Dar Ta`izzah

Origins of Omayyad Mosque Architecture Things to Do (14)

When the Omayyad Mosque of Damascus was built in the early 8th century, the best architects and craftsmen of the... more travel advice

Mushabbak Church - Byzantine Symbols Things to Do (14)

Mushabbak Church is decorated with circular Byzantine symbols frequently seen in other 'dead cities' of northwestern... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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TheWanderingCamel Jan 17, 2010 at 12:34 AM

I have a couple of great memories of this church - deep purple irises growing around it in May and a bunch of poppies picked for me by a little boy. Nice page
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Jun 1, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Interesting page about al-Mushabbak - the 'dead citiy' in Syria. Never heard about it. Wonderful photos and texts. Thanks Momo for the virtual tour!
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luckyzen May 10, 2008 at 4:52 AM

Stunning architecture!! Well done & thanks for sharing!
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norain May 8, 2008 at 7:21 PM

Oh! you went to Syria again. Envy you. I wish to go too but Sydney is too far to reach there.