Chapel of Saint Paul, Chapel in Damascus, Syria

The Chapel of Saint Paul is a small church in Damascus, Syria, located on Tarafa ibn al-Abd Street near the old Bab Kisan gate. It was consecrated in 1939 and its walls incorporate stones from the ancient gate, with a simple interior that has seven pillars arranged in a circle and yellow stained glass windows.

The chapel was built in 1939 and incorporated stones from the nearby Bab Kisan, an ancient gate that is linked to the story of Saint Paul's escape. Over the years, it has become a landmark for Christians in Damascus, standing as a reminder of the early days of their faith.

The name of the chapel comes from Saint Paul, who is said to have escaped Damascus by being lowered in a basket from a window near this spot. Inside, the seven pillars arranged in a circle are a reference to the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and the walls are decorated with pictures of Jesus and Mary.

The chapel is in the old part of Damascus, so walking there means navigating narrow streets; comfortable shoes are a good idea. Visitors can usually enter outside of prayer times, and the area around Bab Kisan is best explored on foot to get a sense of the neighborhood.

The chapel is built on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Paul was lowered from the city wall in a basket to escape persecution. The stones from Bab Kisan visible in its walls are a direct link to that story, and the yellow stained glass creates a warm light inside.