Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery

Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery is a Greek Orthodox religious complex built on multiple levels into a mountain slope at about 1500 meters elevation. The site combines Byzantine architectural elements with thick stone walls and domed structures that follow the contours of the terrain.

Emperor Justinian I founded this monastic site in the 6th century after reported visions of the Virgin Mary at this mountain location. The complex subsequently grew into one of the most important religious centers of the ancient Christian world.

The monastery draws pilgrims from different faiths who come to pray before an ancient icon of Mary that has been venerated here for generations. Visitors of various backgrounds gather in the shared sacred spaces to experience the spiritual traditions of this place.

This monastic site lies roughly 27 kilometers north of Damascus and offers regular visiting times for guests. The mountain setting requires sturdy footwear and some physical effort when navigating the various levels, passages, and staircases throughout the complex.

During the Crusades era, this monastery ranked as the second most important pilgrimage destination in the Christian world after Jerusalem. Its prestige drew travelers from distant lands who undertook long journeys to visit and pray here.