The facade
Three arches and carving.
Bernard Gagnon — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · 3rik A. — CC BY 4.0
The Church of Saint Simeon Stylites is one of the oldest surviving church complexes, about 30 km north-west of Aleppo and known locally as Qalaat Semaan. It was founded in the 5th century around the pillar of the famous monk Simeon. It stands on a rocky hill ringed by cypress trees and keeps a strong presence despite its ruined state. Simeon was born about 390 and became famous for living many years on top of a stone pillar, drawing visitors from afar. The complex was completed in 490 and was not surpassed as a church until Hagia Sophia was finished in 537. It was destroyed in 985. It suffered further damage in recent years and in the 2023 earthquake, and is reported to have reopened after restoration in October 2026. You enter a wide open space and see a facade with three arches and fine Byzantine carving, then reach the octagonal court where a small part of the original pillar remains. Around it branch the four arms of the church with their arches, and the western edge looks over the valley. The best light for photos comes late in the day. It is about 32 km in a straight line from the Citadel of Aleppo and needs a car. Bring a hat and water, as there is little shade. Take care as you walk, as the stones are fallen and fragile in places. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Syria, and British consular help is not available there, so check official guidance before making any plans.
Three arches and carving.
Remains of the pillar.
Four wings with arches.
Western Aleppo countryside, Syria
A 5th-century monk who lived for many years on a stone pillar, drawing visitors from afar.
It is reported to have reopened in October 2026, but confirm before you go and check official guidance.