Sacred Sites in Syria

Syria has been home to an astounding array of cultures and religions over its long history, from the Hittites, Canaanites, and the inhabitants of Ugarit to the Romans, Christians (Paul was famously converted on the road to Damascus) and finally Muslims, who have been the majority in the country since the 7th century. Modern Syria is officially secular, and Syrian Christians are generally able to live and worship in peace alongside their Muslim neighbors. Given its rich religious heritage, it is no surprise that Syria abounds in fascinating religious sites: ruined pagan temples dedicated to Baal and Jupiter; ancient monasteries and synagogues; and mosques, churches and shrines that are still full of worshippers. Below is an illustrated index of the sacred sites and religious places in Syria profiled so far on Sacred Destinations, listed in alphabetical order by name. Please note this list is far from comprehensive - many more great sites remain to be added. You can also view these sites on an interactive map.

Featured Sites in Syria

Basilica of St. Sergius

Rasafa, Dead Cities

Now an isolated ruin, this 5th-century Byzantine church was dedicated to the famous St. Sergius, a Roman soldier martyred c.303. The church was a major pilgrimage site in the Byzantine era.

Great Mosque of Damascus (Umayyad Mosque)

Damascus

This historic 7th-century mosque stands on a site that has been sacred since 1000 BC. It has medieval mosaics on the facade and a shrine to John the Baptist inside.

Dura Europos

This important archaeological site has been called the Pompeii of the Syrian Desert. It was abandoned in the 3rd century and is home to the oldest surviving house-church and synagogue ever found.