Maaloula

Ma'loula (meaning entrance in Aramaic, is one of the few remaining communities in the world where Aramaic is still spoken. It is a mainly Christian village (Syriac Orthodox Church located to the northeast of Damascus, and is built into the rugged mountainside, at an altitude of more than 1500 meters.

There are two important monasteries in Maaloula: Mar Sarkis and Mar Taqla. The Mar Sarkis monastery was built in the 4th century on the remains of a pagan temple, designed on the model of martyries, which have a simple, plain appearance. It was named after St. Sarkis, one of the Syrian horsemen who fell in the reign of king Maximanus in 297. This monastery still maintains its solemn historical character. Mar Taqla monastery holds the remains of St. Taqla; daughter of one of Selucid princes, and pupil of St. Paul.

There are also the remains of numerous monasteries, convents, churches, shrines and sanctuaries. There are some that lie in ruins, while others continue to stand, defying age. Many pilgrims come to Ma'loula, both Muslim and Christian, and they go there to gain blessings and make offerings.