Top Things to do in Rif Damascus Governorate
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What to do and see in Rif Damascus Governorate, Rif Damascus Governorate: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Rif Damascus Governorate, Syria including Mar Sarkis, Cherubim Patriarchal Monastery, Deir Mar Musa El-Habashi, Ma'alula Village (Maaloula), Deir Mar Takla, The Canyon (The Siq), Moses Cave, Convent of Lady of Saidnaya, St. Georges Monastery, Mar Thecla Monastery.
1. Mar Sarkis
2. Cherubim Patriarchal Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
The Cherubim Patriarchal Monastery is located on the top of Mount Qalamoun at an elevation of 2,000 meters and above the famous city of Saidnaya. When we were there in 2011 it was a very active and vibrant Monastery with many monks and visitors. We were there several weeks ago and we were amazed that the entire monastery was deserted and we did not see one person! Yet the famous lower chapel which was carved into the hillside had its’ door open! It did not appear that nothing was disturbed inside this very old chapel. It also appeared that is was being used as there was no dust or destruction. It was a very strange and bizarre feeling as the entire monastery was abandoned and uninhabited. When we were last there in 2011 there was no statue. The monks showed me an artist rendition of their planned statue and they told me that they had planned to have a very large statue erected on the hillside. Well this statue was completed in October 2013 and is called: the Statue of Jesus of Saidnaya. It has a title of: "I Have Come to Save the World" and at 32 meters in height it is the tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the Middle East! I believe its completion coincided with a religious holiday for Orthodox Christians who celebrate the feast day of the Protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary on that day. Even though the monastery appears to be empty and vacant it is still worth the 8 kilometer drive up to the top of the mountain as the drive affords great views of the city below and of the beautiful Syrian countryside!
3. Deir Mar Musa El-Habashi
4. Ma'alula Village (Maaloula)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
The old village of Maaloula is still one of the only towns in the world that the local inhabitants still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Maaloula is located northeast of Damascus at an altitude of 1,600 meters or about 5,000 feet under the mountainous region of Qalamoun. The village of Maaloula is isolated and naturally protected, which may largely explain its inhabitants’ continuing adherence to Christianity and the Aramaic language. In Aramaic language Ma’lula means: ‘entrance’ or ‘passage’ and this is well noted as there is a narrow passageway between two steep mountains. The majority of the village houses were built on these steep slopes of the two mountains, thus making Maaloula a very picturesque and beautiful village to visit. There is a famous Greek Orthodox Convent and a Roman Catholic Monastery up on the top of the hill above the city for anyone to visit. Unfortunately the only large hotel has been destroyed during the Syrian Civil conflict. Nevertheless Maaloula is a very interesting town to visit. Maaloula also has a nice restaurant for one to enjoy a great lunch or dinner after you complete your touring of this great old city of Maaloula. Trust me you will enjoy yourself while visiting this old and very historic village.
5. Deir Mar Takla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Yucef-GB - Beirut, Lebanon
Nested in the mountain and overlooking Maaloula old town, this old christian orthodox monastery offers a feeling of faith and serenity , pay it a visit while in rif-damascus area.
6. The Canyon (The Siq)
7. Moses Cave
8. Convent of Lady of Saidnaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By THOMASFROMDAMASCUS - Damascus, Syria
The most famous monastery in Saidnaya is called: Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery and is located within the city. This is one of the most ancient monasteries in the world and in the region of the Middle East and North Africa. Traditionally it is said to have been founded by Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 547 AD. It is very, very interesting as it is run by a religious order of nuns of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch as I believe the other monasteries in the Saidnaya area are all from the order of monks. This Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery is a must visit site as it has so many old and historic chapels and works of art. One must be very careful as once you accent the many stairs or take the elevator; like I did you enter the monastery through a very small and low doorway! Once you enter the atmosphere of the monastery is extremely serene and tranquil. This is a ‘must visit site’ and I highly recommend you take the time to drive to Saidnaya and enjoy a full day in this famous city.
9. St. Georges Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Mar Thecla Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
