The cliff houses
Pale colours above the valley.
Haubi|Gerhard Haubold — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gerhard Haubold — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Haubi|Gerhard Haubold — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Eusebius@Commons — CC BY 2.0 · Gerhard Haubold — CC BY-SA 4.0
Maaloula is a mountain town in Rif Dimashq, at more than 1,500 m, its houses stepping up a rocky slope north-east of the capital. It is one of three remaining villages where Western Neo-Aramaic is spoken, so the sound of this ancient language still lives in its lanes. Its view draws everyone who passes. Its name is said to derive from an Aramaic word meaning entrance. It is among the leading old Christian centres in Syria, home to the monasteries of Mar Sarkis and Mar Takla. The town and its churches have suffered damage in past years, and some buildings have been restored, so what you find today may differ from older photos. You see close-packed houses in pale colours on the cliff, with rock above them and green orchards in the valley before them. At the edge of town is a narrow rock cleft you can walk through between smooth walls. This is a lived-in place and sacred to its people, so dress modestly, keep quiet in the churches and ask before taking photos. It is about 43 km in a straight line from the Old City of Damascus and about 23 km from Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery, so you can combine them in a day. A car is the best way there. Winter is cold at this height, so bring a warm layer. 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.
Pale colours above the valley.
A walk between smooth walls.
Green in the valley.
Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria
Yes, it is one of three remaining villages where Western Neo-Aramaic is spoken.
We could not confirm this at present, so ask in town before climbing up.