Maaloula — Where Aramaic Is Still Spoken

Maaloula isn't just a pretty mountain village — it's one of the last places on earth where Aramaic is still spoken, the language spoken across the region 2,000 years ago. That alone makes the hour's drive worthwhile.

What to see

• Deir Mar Sarkis — one of the oldest monasteries in the world, dating to the 4th century, built on the site of a pagan temple, with rare round altars.
• Deir Mar Taqla — the convent of Saint Thecla at the foot of the cliff, with a cave and spring.
• The gorge (Al-Fajj) — a narrow cleft in the rock you walk through between the two monasteries; the most memorable moment in Maaloula.

An honest note

Maaloula was badly damaged in fighting in 2013–2014 — churches were harmed and icons looted. It has since returned, and restoration of the monasteries is ongoing but not finished. What you see is a sacred place recovering — part of its story.

Getting there

Maaloula is about 56 km north of Damascus — a day trip, easily combined with the monastery town of Saidnaya nearby. We arrange a private trip with a driver who knows the mountain road. More in the Syria travel guide.

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.