Syria, May 2024

Damascus

Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria. Situated in south-western Syria the city had an estimated population of 2,503,000 in 2022. The city is believed to have been continuously inhabited since around  3000 BC and is today considered to be the oldest current capital in the world. Damascus is a major cultural centre of the Levant and the Arab world. The Ancient City of Damascus is a UNESCO Site. The city was severely impacted by the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011 with some suburbs becoming battlegrounds between the opposition groups and government forces. The entire city was recaptured by Syrian government forces in 2018.

Saturday, 18th May 2024

Tony stood in front of the altar inside St Ananias chapel located near the Eastern Gate (Bab Sharqi) in the ancient part of Damascus. This ancient underground structure is said to have once been the home of Ananias of Damascus: he was a disciple of Jesus, mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, who baptised Saul commonly known as Paul the Apostle. The room is lined with stone with an arched ceiling with holes to let in light. The stone altar is covered with a cloth. Three bronze relief panel are attached to the wall behind depicting Biblical scenes. Archaeological excavations in 1921 found evidence of a 5th or 6th century Byzantine church here, adding support to the tradition that the chapel has an early Christian origin.
Tony stood in front of the altar inside St Ananias chapel located near the Eastern Gate (Bab Sharqi) in the ancient part of Damascus. This ancient underground structure is said to have once been the home of Ananias of Damascus: he was a disciple of Jesus, mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, who baptised Saul commonly known as Paul the Apostle. The room is lined with stone with an arched ceiling with holes to let in light. The stone altar is covered with a cloth. Three bronze relief panel are attached to the wall behind depicting Biblical scenes. Archaeological excavations in 1921 found evidence of a 5th or 6th century Byzantine church here, adding support to the tradition that the chapel has an early Christian origin.
Tony stood with Michael from Tennessee in the courtyard of St Ananias chapel.
Tony stood with Michael from Tennessee in the courtyard of St Ananias chapel.
Tony in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary in the courtyard of St Ananias chapel with a door leading to the chapel itself on the right. This site was reclaimed as a chapel and restored in the 19th century. While now underground, it is thought the rooms of the chapel were located at ground level in Roman times.
Tony in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary in the courtyard of St Ananias chapel with a door leading to the chapel itself on the right. This site was reclaimed as a chapel and restored in the 19th century. While now underground, it is thought the rooms of the chapel were located at ground level in Roman times.
A closer view of the Virgin Mary statue at St Ananias chapel. It sits inside in a freestanding stone alcove covered with pale blue cloth.
A closer view of the Virgin Mary statue at St Ananias chapel. It sits inside in a freestanding stone alcove covered with pale blue cloth.
A narrow street in the Old City of Damascus. The street is made even narrower by several parked cars. A group of locals can be seen talking as well as tourists walking along. The upper storeys of some of the buildings overhang the street. This is possibly Straight Street, originally the main east-west Roman road running through Damascus. It is mentioned in the New Testament as 'the Street called Straight'.
A narrow street in the Old City of Damascus. The street is made even narrower by several parked cars. A group of locals can be seen talking as well as tourists walking along. The upper storeys of some of the buildings overhang the street. This is possibly Straight Street, originally the main east-west Roman road running through Damascus. It is mentioned in the New Testament as ‘the Street called Straight’.
Tony stood at a traditional large heavy wooden front door with decorative metalwork in the Old City of Damascus.
Tony stood at a traditional large heavy wooden front door with decorative metalwork in the Old City of Damascus.
Tony outside a small shop in the Old City of Damascus. The shop appears to be selling gifts and souvenirs including craft and religious items.
Tony outside a small shop in the Old City of Damascus. The shop appears to be selling gifts and souvenirs including craft and religious items.
Tony with a smiling local man who is selling coffee from a large metal jug. He is wearing a red and gold fez or tarboosh hat. There are high stone walls and a large wooden door in the background.
Tony with a smiling local man who is selling coffee from a large metal jug. He is wearing a red and gold fez or tarboosh hat. There are high stone walls and a large wooden door in the background.
A stone arch that once formed an entrance to the Roman Temple of Jupiter in Damascus. These ruins today function as the eastern entrance to Al-Hamidiyah Souq. Construction of the Temple of Jupiter began under the rule of emperor Augustus in the first century BC and it was completed under Constantius II in the fourth century AD. When completed the temple was renowned for its size and beauty. Today only fragments survive. Inside the entrance arch, the photo shows a stone column and smaller arches that contain market stalls. Al-Hamidiyah Souq is the largest souk (or market) in Syria. It is a covered street that runs for 600 metres (2,000 ft) through Damascus's Old City.
A stone arch that once formed an entrance to the Roman Temple of Jupiter in Damascus. These ruins today function as the eastern entrance to Al-Hamidiyah Souq. Construction of the Temple of Jupiter began under the rule of emperor Augustus in the first century BC and it was completed under Constantius II in the fourth century AD. When completed the temple was renowned for its size and beauty. Today only fragments survive. Inside the entrance arch, the photo shows a stone column and smaller arches that contain market stalls. Al-Hamidiyah Souq is the largest souk (or market) in Syria. It is a covered street that runs for 600 metres (2,000 ft) through Damascus’s Old City.
Looking up at a tall minaret, one of three belonging to Umayyad Mosque. This is the Minaret of Qaytbay built on the orders of Sultan Qaytbay in 1488. The minaret is octagonal in profile and has three galleries. Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The site began as a place of worship in the Iron Age, later becoming part of the Roman Temple of Jupiter, and then a Christian cathedral in the 4th century AD. After the Muslim conquest of Damascus in 634, part of the cathedral became a small prayer house. The whole of the building became a mosque in the early 8th century AD. According to tradition it is the burial place of John the Baptist's head.
Looking up at a tall minaret, one of three belonging to Umayyad Mosque. This is the Minaret of Qaytbay built on the orders of Sultan Qaytbay in 1488. The minaret is octagonal in profile and has three galleries. Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The site began as a place of worship in the Iron Age, later becoming part of the Roman Temple of Jupiter, and then a Christian cathedral in the 4th century AD. After the Muslim conquest of Damascus in 634, part of the cathedral became a small prayer house. The whole of the building became a mosque in the early 8th century AD. According to tradition it is the burial place of John the Baptist’s head.
Tony stood in the main courtyard of Umayyad Mosque. Behind is the large doorway into the prayer hall. The facade above is decorated with mosaic decoration mostly in gold and green. The mosque's mosaics originate from the 8th century, but were extensively reconstructed during the 20th century. The Dome of the Eagle can be seen on the roof above. This is the mosque's main dome: it was rebuilt following a large fire in 1893. The whole mosque is rectangular in shape and measures 97 metres (318 ft) by 156 metres (512 ft).
Tony stood in the main courtyard of Umayyad Mosque. Behind is the large doorway into the prayer hall. The facade above is decorated with mosaic decoration mostly in gold and green. The mosque’s mosaics originate from the 8th century, but were extensively reconstructed during the 20th century. The Dome of the Eagle can be seen on the roof above. This is the mosque’s main dome: it was rebuilt following a large fire in 1893. The whole mosque is rectangular in shape and measures 97 metres (318 ft) by 156 metres (512 ft).
Tony stood in the courtyard of the Al-Azm Palace, located in the Old City in Damascus. The walls of the palace are two and three storeys in height and are adorned with decorative stonework with a striped pattern of dark and light stone. The courtyard contains tall mature trees and plants in containers. The palace was built in 1749 when Damascus was under Ottoman rule. It was originally the residence of the governor of Damascus, As'ad Pasha al-Azm. The palace remained in the ownership of the Azm family until 1920, when it was sold to the French. Following Syrian independence in 1946 it was sold to the Syrian government in 1951 and today houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.
Tony stood in the courtyard of the Al-Azm Palace, located in the Old City in Damascus. The walls of the palace are two and three storeys in height and are adorned with decorative stonework with a striped pattern of dark and light stone. The courtyard contains tall mature trees and plants in containers. The palace was built in 1749 when Damascus was under Ottoman rule. It was originally the residence of the governor of Damascus, As’ad Pasha al-Azm. The palace remained in the ownership of the Azm family until 1920, when it was sold to the French. Following Syrian independence in 1946 it was sold to the Syrian government in 1951 and today houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.
Tony inside the Al-Azm Palace. He is standing between marble columns and there is a window behind fronted with decorative metalwork.
Tony inside the Al-Azm Palace. He is standing between marble columns and there is a window behind fronted with decorative metalwork.
Looking up at the facade above a large arched doorway into the Al-Azm Palace. Here the stonework incorporates elaborate geometric decoration.
Looking up at the facade above a large arched doorway into the Al-Azm Palace. Here the stonework incorporates elaborate geometric decoration.
Tony sitting in front of a small old-looking wooden door into the Al-Azm Palace. The small door appears to be contained within a larger door. The small door is about two-thirds of Tony's height.
Tony sitting in front of a small old-looking wooden door into the Al-Azm Palace. The small door appears to be contained within a larger door. The small door is about two-thirds of Tony’s height.
Inside the grand Reception Hall of the Al-Azm Palace. The walls and columns are decorated with striped stonework. Above are domes that contain windows around their sides. There appears to be a fountain in the middle of the room, but when the picture was taken it contained no water. Tony is in the foreground.
Inside the grand Reception Hall of the Al-Azm Palace. The walls and columns are decorated with striped stonework. Above are domes that contain windows around their sides. There appears to be a fountain in the middle of the room, but when the picture was taken it contained no water. Tony is in the foreground.

Sunday, 19th May 2024

Saida

Saida is a large village in southern Syria. At the time of the 2004 census it had a population of 11,215.

Inside a carpet shop in Saida. Many rolled carpets can be seen. Carpets are a traditional product of Syria going far back into history.
Inside a carpet shop in Saida. Many rolled carpets can be seen. Carpets are a traditional product of Syria going far back into history.
Tony inside the carpet shop in Saida. The wall behind is filled with rolls of colourful carpets stood on end with traditional designs.
Tony inside the carpet shop in Saida. The wall behind is filled with rolls of colourful carpets stood on end with traditional designs.

Bosra

Bosra is a town in southern Syria. The town had a population of 19,683 at the time of the last census in 2004. The town is today known for its major archaeological remains, which are known as the Ancient City of Bosra. Bosra began as a Nabatean city in the 2nd century BC and later became an important Roman city. It was the capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea and was strategically located on trade routes. Another important period of activity occurred during the Ayyubid Sultanate in the 13th century when fortifications were constructed.

Tony stood in front of a wrecked Russian tank in Bosra. The tank is sat on a reservation in the centre of a road.
Tony stood in front of a wrecked Russian tank in Bosra. The tank is sat on a reservation in the centre of a road.
Another view of Tony in front of the Russian tank. The tank's turret has been painted in red, blue and white, which are the colours of the Russian flag. A few members of Tony's tour party and locals can be seen on and around the tank.
Another view of Tony in front of the Russian tank. The tank’s turret has been painted in red, blue and white, which are the colours of the Russian flag. A few members of Tony’s tour party and locals can be seen on and around the tank.
A local Syrian boy sitting on the tank's main gun barrel.
A local Syrian boy sitting on the tank’s main gun barrel.
View of the side of the Russian tank including the metal "caterpillar" tracks and the wheels inside. The metal is rusting and grass is growing out of cavities in the side of the tank: it appears to have been broken down and abandoned for several years. Bosra was badly affected by fighting during Syria's ongoing civil war beginning in 2012. The town was taken by rebel forces in 2015 and was recaptured by Syrian government forces in 2018.
View of the side of the Russian tank including the metal “caterpillar” tracks and the wheels inside. The metal is rusting and grass is growing out of cavities in the side of the tank: it appears to have been broken down and abandoned for several years. Bosra was badly affected by fighting during Syria’s ongoing civil war beginning in 2012. The town was taken by rebel forces in 2015 and was recaptured by Syrian government forces in 2018.
Members of Tony's tour group sitting on cushions under an outdoor roof shelter in Bosra. Stone walls, part of the remains of the Ancient City of Bosra, can vaguely be seen in the distance.
Members of Tony’s tour group sitting on cushions under an outdoor roof shelter in Bosra. Stone walls, part of the remains of the Ancient City of Bosra, can vaguely be seen in the distance.
View from the stage inside the large well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Bosra. The theatre was built during the second century AD. It measures 102 metres across and has seating for 17,000 people. The theatre was restored between 1947 and 1970. Previously the interior was filled with sand which helped to preserve it. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site covering the Ancient City of Bosra.
View from the stage inside the large well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Bosra. The theatre was built during the second century AD. It measures 102 metres across and has seating for 17,000 people. The theatre was restored between 1947 and 1970. Previously the interior was filled with sand which helped to preserve it. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site covering the Ancient City of Bosra.
Tony stood outside the Citadel in the Ancient City of Bosra. There is a big entrance doorway in the background built from large basalt stone blocks. The bases of ruined Corinthian Columns stand in front. The Citadel includes the Roman theatre which was later fortified with walls and towers to guard the road leading to Damascus between 481 and 1251 AD during the Islamic era.
Tony stood outside the Citadel in the Ancient City of Bosra. There is a big entrance doorway in the background built from large basalt stone blocks. The bases of ruined Corinthian Columns stand in front. The Citadel includes the Roman theatre which was later fortified with walls and towers to guard the road leading to Damascus between 481 and 1251 AD during the Islamic era.
Tony stood outside the Citadel in the Ancient City of Bosra. There is a big entrance doorway in the background built from large basalt stone blocks. The bases of ruined Corinthian Columns stand in front. The Citadel includes the Roman theatre which was later fortified with walls and towers to guard the road leading to Damascus between 481 and 1251 AD during the Islamic era.

Maaloula

Maaloula is a town in southwestern Syria. It is located in the Rif Dimashq Governorate 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Damascus. The town is built into the rugged mountainside at an altitude of more than 1,500 metres. It is known as one of three remaining villages where Western Neo-Aramaic is spoken. This is believed to be the closest living language to the one spoken by Jesus. Maaloula had a population of approximately 2,762 at the 2004 census.

20th May 2024

A large rose bush covered with purple-pink buds. Some of them are in bloom. Taken at a Rose Winery on the way to Maaloula.
A large rose bush covered with purple-pink buds. Some of them are in bloom. Taken at a Rose Winery on the way to Maaloula.
Close-up of a rugged old-looking stone wall in Maaloula village. It is built using flat stones in a herringbone pattern: the orientation of the diagonally placed stones alternates with each row. The stones appear to be bound together using earth.
Close-up of a rugged old-looking stone wall in Maaloula village. It is built using flat stones in a herringbone pattern: the orientation of the diagonally placed stones alternates with each row. The stones appear to be bound together using earth.
Nine members of Tony's travelling group standing at a dusty junction of unpaved streets in Maaloula. A single storey building and a crumbling traditionally built stone wall stand opposite.
Nine members of Tony’s travelling group standing at a dusty junction of unpaved streets in Maaloula. A single storey building and a crumbling traditionally built stone wall stand opposite.
Metal gates and then stone steps leading up to a recessed stone doorway. This is the entrance to the Convent of Saint Thecla. This Greek Orthodox convent was built in 1935 around the much older grotto of St Thecla.
Metal gates and then stone steps leading up to a recessed stone doorway. This is the entrance to the Convent of Saint Thecla. This Greek Orthodox convent was built in 1935 around the much older grotto of St Thecla.
Inside the grotto of St Thecla within the Convent of St Thecla. This large man-made cave or grotto is carved into the natural rock. It is believed to hold the remains of Thecla, a saint of the early Christian Church and a reported follower of Paul the Apostle. According to the second-century Acts of Paul and Thecla, she was a young noble virgin from Iconium, who chose to leave her fiancé so she could convert to Christianity and follow Paul. According to later legend, Thecla was being pursued by soldiers of her father, due to her Christian faith. She came upon a mountain, and after praying, the mountain split open and let her escape through. Maaloula was named after this gap in the mountain. The photo shows stone columns and arches that support the opening into the cave. The branches of a mature tree, which grows inside the grotto, are stretched horizontally to reach the light outside.
Inside the grotto of St Thecla within the Convent of St Thecla. This large man-made cave or grotto is carved into the natural rock. It is believed to hold the remains of Thecla, a saint of the early Christian Church and a reported follower of Paul the Apostle. According to the second-century Acts of Paul and Thecla, she was a young noble virgin from Iconium, who chose to leave her fiancé so she could convert to Christianity and follow Paul. According to later legend, Thecla was being pursued by soldiers of her father, due to her Christian faith. She came upon a mountain, and after praying, the mountain split open and let her escape through. Maaloula was named after this gap in the mountain. The photo shows stone columns and arches that support the opening into the cave. The branches of a mature tree, which grows inside the grotto, are stretched horizontally to reach the light outside.
View of the mature tree growing inside the grotto. The tree is rooted a few metres within the cave so its branches have grown stretched out towards the light outside. The tree is likely sustained by a natural spring within the cave. The spring is said to have been dug by St Thecla herself and the faithful believe it possesses healing powers with the ability to cure ailments such as paralysis, rheumatism, and infertility. The floor is paved with stone slabs. The walls are mostly natural rock.
View of the mature tree growing inside the grotto. The tree is rooted a few metres within the cave so its branches have grown stretched out towards the light outside. The tree is likely sustained by a natural spring within the cave. The spring is said to have been dug by St Thecla herself and the faithful believe it possesses healing powers with the ability to cure ailments such as paralysis, rheumatism, and infertility. The floor is paved with stone slabs. The walls are mostly natural rock.
Inside one of two small churches within the grotto of St Thecla. In front is a recess surrounded by ornately carved marble. It contains a small icon depicting St Thecla. She is holding a cross in one hand and a scroll in the other. Her head is surrounded by a halo. 'Thecla the Saint' is written in Arabic script. Another large religious painting hangs on the wall to the right. It is only partially in view and is probably of Jesus.
Inside one of two small churches within the grotto of St Thecla. In front is a recess surrounded by ornately carved marble. It contains a small icon depicting St Thecla. She is holding a cross in one hand and a scroll in the other. Her head is surrounded by a halo. ‘Thecla the Saint’ is written in Arabic script. Another large religious painting hangs on the wall to the right. It is only partially in view and is probably of Jesus.
Looking through a carved wooden door with a cross in its centre into the same small church or chapel as seen in previous photo. The recess holding the icon depicting St Thecla can be seen. Several crosses can also be seen adorning the same wall.
Looking through a carved wooden door with a cross in its centre into the same small church or chapel as seen in previous photo. The recess holding the icon depicting St Thecla can be seen. Several crosses can also be seen adorning the same wall.
A flight of stone steps leading up to the entrance into the grotto dedicated to St Thecla. An icon depicting St Thecla can just be seen above the entrance. To the right the branches and leaves of the same tree seen in earlier photos can be seen reaching out of the grotto. Above is a towering mass of natural rock overhanging the grotto's entrance.
A flight of stone steps leading up to the entrance into the grotto dedicated to St Thecla. An icon depicting St Thecla can just be seen above the entrance. To the right the branches and leaves of the same tree seen in earlier photos can be seen reaching out of the grotto. Above is a towering mass of natural rock overhanging the grotto’s entrance.
Tony at the bottom of the steps leading up to St Thecla's tomb. Tony is wearing sunglasses and is carrying his white cane.
Tony at the bottom of the steps leading up to St Thecla’s tomb. Tony is wearing sunglasses and is carrying his white cane.
Tony inside the church of the Convent of Saint Thecla. Behind Tony is a wall decorated with an iconostasis. The iconostasis is adorned with around 35 small icons of saints and Biblical scenes. A large gold cross hangs in an opening above. The iconostasis wall has three small entrances leading to the sanctuary (altar) beyond. The surrounding walls are a mixture of stone and white painted plaster. There is a window on the left side.
Tony inside the church of the Convent of Saint Thecla. Behind Tony is a wall decorated with an iconostasis. The iconostasis is adorned with around 35 small icons of saints and Biblical scenes. A large gold cross hangs in an opening above. The iconostasis wall has three small entrances leading to the sanctuary (altar) beyond. The surrounding walls are a mixture of stone and white painted plaster. There is a window on the left side.
Another view of part of the iconostasis inside the church of the Convent of St Thecla. Two rows of small icons can be seen. The top row appears to show saints while the lower one depicts Biblical scenes. Two of the entrances into the sanctuary can be seen: they are both covered with curtains embroidered with crosses and other decoration. The church's main entrance doorway is also visible on the left side.
Another view of part of the iconostasis inside the church of the Convent of St Thecla. Two rows of small icons can be seen. The top row appears to show saints while the lower one depicts Biblical scenes. Two of the entrances into the sanctuary can be seen: they are both covered with curtains embroidered with crosses and other decoration. The church’s main entrance doorway is also visible on the left side.
View of a side wall inside the church of the Convent of St Thecla. A pair of windows can be seen and between them an icon of a female saint with a halo, likely St Thecla. In the foreground rows of benches or pews.
View of a side wall inside the church of the Convent of St Thecla. A pair of windows can be seen and between them an icon of a female saint with a halo, likely St Thecla. In the foreground rows of benches or pews.
A rose bush covered with pink flowers in full bloom. Probably taken at or near the Convent of St Thecla.
A rose bush covered with pink flowers in full bloom. Probably taken at or near the Convent of St Thecla.
Tony stood outside a doorway cut into the natural rock. There are a couple of small window openings at either side. The carving looks weathered and may be very old.
Tony stood outside a doorway cut into the natural rock. There are a couple of small window openings at either side. The carving looks weathered and may be very old.
Dimly lit view inside the ancient cave building. There are two large arched alcoves cut into the natural rock in front.
Dimly lit view inside the ancient cave building. There are two large arched alcoves cut into the natural rock in front.
Tony stood inside the ruins of the Safir Hotel in Maaloula. The floor is covered with debris - mostly bits of concrete and glass. Vegetation is growing through a large window opening on the right. This former luxury hotel was badly damaged during the Syrian civil war. Maaloula was the scene of battles between the Al-Nusra Front insurgent group and Syrian government forces in 2013 and 2014. The insurgents took control of town twice with government forces later retaking it on each occasion.
Tony stood inside the ruins of the Safir Hotel in Maaloula. The floor is covered with debris – mostly bits of concrete and glass. Vegetation is growing through a large window opening on the right. This former luxury hotel was badly damaged during the Syrian civil war. Maaloula was the scene of battles between the Al-Nusra Front insurgent group and Syrian government forces in 2013 and 2014. The insurgents took control of town twice with government forces later retaking it on each occasion.
Another view inside the ruined Safir Hotel. What appears to have been the reception desk stands on the left side. Only the concrete shell remains.
Another view inside the ruined Safir Hotel. What appears to have been the reception desk stands on the left side. Only the concrete shell remains.
Again inside the Safir Hotel. The concrete structure is mostly intact, but almost everything else is gone or completely destroyed. Metal, glass, plaster and concrete shards cover the floor.
Again inside the Safir Hotel. The concrete structure is mostly intact, but almost everything else is gone or completely destroyed. Metal, glass, plaster and concrete shards cover the floor.
Tony now outside the destroyed Safir Hotel's main entrance. A pair of fur trees grow in beds at either side of the former main doorway. A small guard hut stands to the left. The exterior walls are covered with beige tiles. Balconies are visible on the upper floor.
Tony now outside the destroyed Safir Hotel’s main entrance. A pair of fur trees grow in beds at either side of the former main doorway. A small guard hut stands to the left. The exterior walls are covered with beige tiles. Balconies are visible on the upper floor.
Doorway into the church at St Sergios and Bacchos Monastery. The monastery is one of the oldest in Syria dating from the early 3rd to 4th century. The monastery is named after two Roman soldiers who secretly became Christians in the 4th century. When their faith was discovered they refused to renounce it even under torture. They were executed for their beliefs.
Doorway into the church at St Sergios and Bacchos Monastery. The monastery is one of the oldest in Syria dating from the early 3rd to 4th century. The monastery is named after two Roman soldiers who secretly became Christians in the 4th century. When their faith was discovered they refused to renounce it even under torture. They were executed for their beliefs.
In the small courtyard of St Sergios and Bacchos Monastery church. There are a pair of stone arches in front. The arches appear quite modern but the church itself dates back to early Christianity. Pink flowers, perhaps hydrangeas, are growing in a plastic pot.
In the small courtyard of St Sergios and Bacchos Monastery church. There are a pair of stone arches in front. The arches appear quite modern but the church itself dates back to early Christianity. Pink flowers, perhaps hydrangeas, are growing in a plastic pot.
Inside the church belonging to St Sergios and Bacchos Monastery. The photo shows the semi-circular marble altar with a gold cross and a candlestick on top. The original marble altar was believed to be among the oldest in the world but it was destroyed by Al-Nusra Front extremists during Syria's civil war in 2013. Two ancient icons were also destroyed. The altar in the photo is a reproduction of the original.
Inside the church belonging to St Sergios and Bacchos Monastery. The photo shows the semi-circular marble altar with a gold cross and a candlestick on top. The original marble altar was believed to be among the oldest in the world but it was destroyed by Al-Nusra Front extremists during Syria’s civil war in 2013. Two ancient icons were also destroyed. The altar in the photo is a reproduction of the original.
View from the roof of the Villa Rosa Hotel in Al Mishtaya. Looking towards the large Wadi Hotel opposite. This small town is located close to Krak des Chevaliers: a well preserved Crusader castle.
View from the roof of the Villa Rosa Hotel in Al Mishtaya. Looking towards the large Wadi Hotel opposite. This small town is located close to Krak des Chevaliers: a well preserved Crusader castle.