Saidnaya is a small town in Rural Damascus, located approximately 30 km north of the capital. Despite the town’s name becoming widely known in recent years — associated with deeply painful stories — it would be a profound injustice to let that shadow define this remarkable place. Saidnaya itself is a haven: a mountain town of ancient monasteries, panoramic views, and living history. This is an introduction to the real Saidnaya.
Historic Religious Landmarks
Saidnaya is one of the oldest Christian settlements in the world. The town is sometimes compared to Jerusalem for the density of its churches and monasteries — many of which date to the earliest centuries of Christianity. Its Aramaic name itself reflects that ancient heritage.
Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery
Perched on the summit of the mountain at the heart of the town, Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery is one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world. It was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I around 547 CE, and monastic life has continued here without interruption ever since — making it both a living religious community and an extraordinary heritage site.
Over its fifteen centuries of continuous use, the monastery has accumulated a remarkable collection of rare artifacts and ancient icons. The most significant is the icon of the Shaghoura, traditionally attributed to Saint Luke the Apostle — one of the most venerated icons in Eastern Christianity.
The monastery draws pilgrims and visitors from across the world. Its architecture reflects centuries of incremental additions and renovations, giving it a layered character unique in the region. Its three bell towers, distinctive dome, and the famous stone staircase leading up to the entrance have all become symbols of Saidnaya itself.
Within the monastery complex is a natural cave, historically associated with an apparition of the Virgin Mary to Emperor Justinian during the original construction. The cave remains an important destination for visitors today.
Cherubim Monastery
Standing at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level on a mountain peak north of town, Cherubim Monastery (Deir al-Shirubin) is one of the highest inhabited points in the Qalamoun Mountains and commands a sweeping panoramic view of the surrounding region — extending to Damascus itself in clear weather.
The monastery’s name derives from Syriac — the ancient language of this region — and means Monastery of the Angels, likely reflecting its extreme isolation. In earlier centuries, monks used small rock-carved caves within the complex as private cells for solitary prayer and contemplation. The monastery includes an ancient church alongside modern facilities built to receive the growing number of visitors.
Its most prominent modern landmark is a 33-meter statue of Christ — the largest statue of Jesus in the Middle East and the second largest in the world after the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
Cherubim Monastery is both a spiritual destination and a striking visual landmark, and it receives its first snowfall early each winter. Note that the road to the monastery is steep and winding — plan accordingly before visiting.
Shrine of Mar Elias
On a mountaintop in Maarrat Saidnaya — a village just 2 km from Saidnaya — the Shrine of Mar Elias (the Prophet Elijah, also known as Al-Khidr) is a sacred site venerated by both Christians and Muslims alike, drawing visitors from across the region for spiritual visits and pilgrimage.
The shrine offers a spectacular dual panorama: the Ghouta of Damascus on one side, and Saidnaya and Maarrat Saidnaya on the other. At its heart is an ancient rock cave, traditionally believed to have sheltered the Prophet Elijah during his journey. A succession of churches has been built around this cave over the centuries, the most recent of which still stands today.
A wide open plaza at the base of the shrine’s long winding staircase serves as a venue for the annual Mar Elias feast on July 20th, drawing large crowds for the celebration. Outside of this event, the shrine is exceptionally quiet — making it one of the best places in the area for reflection and undisturbed panoramic views.
Tourism and Leisure Attractions
Saidnaya is far more than a pilgrimage destination. Sitting in the heart of the Qalamoun Mountains, the town is a genuine tourist resort with a range of activities that complement its religious and historical significance.
Sheraton Saidnaya Resort
Located in Maarrat Saidnaya, 30 km north of Damascus, the Sheraton Saidnaya Resort occupies a prime position overlooking both the town of Saidnaya and Our Lady Monastery, with views extending across the valley and the Qalamoun mountain range.
The five-star property includes hotel rooms and suites, multiple fine dining restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, and a full spa — everything required for a comfortable mountain stay. Its event facilities, including dedicated ballrooms and fully equipped meeting rooms, make it the leading venue for conferences, weddings, and corporate retreats in the region.
The resort functions equally well as a base for exploring all nearby religious and archaeological sites, and as a standalone destination — with mountain hiking in the Saidnaya hills a popular option for guests seeking outdoor activity between visits to the area’s landmarks.
Saidnaya Shooting and Hunting Club
Set on a hillside above Saidnaya, the Saidnaya Shooting, Equestrian and Hunting Club covers a large open area that makes it a genuine destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is the only private facility in the region offering clay target shooting and organizes regular pigeon shooting competitions.
The club also operates a well-equipped equestrian center offering riding lessons for beginners and trail rides for visitors. The stables house a number of purebred Arabian horses, making it a draw for riders and horse enthusiasts specifically.
A restaurant and café with direct views over the shooting range and riding arena complete the experience — a setting that becomes particularly atmospheric in winter when the surrounding mountains are covered in snow.
