Saidnaya and Maaloula, Syria
From series “ Survived Artifacts of Early Christian Civilization”
Those who are interested in the history of the Christian culture are recommended to visit ancient settlements in Syria. Saidnaya and Maaloula are excellent examples of communities that were able to save not only the priceless Christian places of interest, but also a unique way of life. These small villages are very close to each other, so as part of the tour travelers usually visit them together.
According to the latest data, the population of Maaloula is not more than 1 000 people; about 2/3 of their number are Christians. This picturesque mountain village can boast with the Mar Thecla monastery that is famous far beyond the country. The monastery is carved in the rock. Its main feature is a small cave with a chapel. According to one of the ancient legends, relics of St. Thecla are kept in this chapel, which was built during the time of the Byzantine Empire.
Next - Monasteries of Wadi Natrun
Christian Basilica of Lin, Albania
Monasteries of Wadi Natrun, Egypt
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Saidnaya and Maaloula - interactive map
Useful staff nearby
Fuel station: 'Sultan station' in 12 km 
Supermarket: 'Super market' in 9 km
Police station: 'Maaloula Police Station' in 0.15 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'St. Takla Restaurant' in 0.69 km
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
36 km - Baalbek
Baalbek is one of the oldest towns in the world. It is located in a picturesque mountain region near Beirut. The parts of the buildings that were found there, amaze people with sizes and the architectural accuracy. All the buildings on the territory of the ancient town …
From the series '15 Historical Monuments, with Riddles not yet Solved'
Baalbek is one of the oldest towns in the world. It is located in a picturesque mountain region near Beirut. The parts of the buildings that were found there, amaze people with sizes and the architectural accuracy. All the buildings on the territory of the ancient town …
42 km - Damascus
One of the oldest cities in the world can be found in Syria. Damascus has gained worldwide fame through its interesting and culturally rich history. The age of archaeological artifacts discovered during exploration of the city is about 12,000 years. Those are evidences …
From the series 'The Oldest Inhabited Cities on the Planet'
One of the oldest cities in the world can be found in Syria. Damascus has gained worldwide fame through its interesting and culturally rich history. The age of archaeological artifacts discovered during exploration of the city is about 12,000 years. Those are evidences …
72 km - Baatara Falls
In the region of Tannourine in Lebanon is located the Baatara waterfall. It is noteworthy, that it falls into the limestone cave of the same name. The unique geological formation was discovered relatively recently in 1952. Today, the waterfall with a height of 255 …
From the series 'Most Fanciful Waterfalls of the Planet'
In the region of Tannourine in Lebanon is located the Baatara waterfall. It is noteworthy, that it falls into the limestone cave of the same name. The unique geological formation was discovered relatively recently in 1952. Today, the waterfall with a height of 255 …
84 km - Jeita Grotto
The Jeita Grotto is one of Lebanon's most remarkable sights. This is a complex of two large limestone caves, whose general length is about 9 km. The lower cave was discovered a long time ago, in the first half of the 19th century. As it was found out by scientists, …
From the series 'Fantastic and Colorful Caves Inside the Earth'
The Jeita Grotto is one of Lebanon's most remarkable sights. This is a complex of two large limestone caves, whose general length is about 9 km. The lower cave was discovered a long time ago, in the first half of the 19th century. As it was found out by scientists, …
88 km - Byblos
Phoenician city of Byblos, which is nowadays called Jubayl, is also among the oldest cities in the world. In biblical times, it was called Hebe; for thousands of years the city has changed several names, but it hasn’t lost its historic charm and mystery. Ancient …
From the series 'The Oldest Inhabited Cities on the Planet'
Phoenician city of Byblos, which is nowadays called Jubayl, is also among the oldest cities in the world. In biblical times, it was called Hebe; for thousands of years the city has changed several names, but it hasn’t lost its historic charm and mystery. Ancient …
89 km - Bibl
The city of Byblos attracts fans of ancient history in Lebanon. It is also one of the three most ancient cities on our planet. The earliest organized settlements in these places date back to the 7th Millennium BC. The city was formed under the now known name in the 4th …
From the series 'Remains of the First Ancient Cities'
The city of Byblos attracts fans of ancient history in Lebanon. It is also one of the three most ancient cities on our planet. The earliest organized settlements in these places date back to the 7th Millennium BC. The city was formed under the now known name in the 4th …
