Bab Kisan, Roman city gate in Ancient Damascus, Syria.
Bab Kisan is a city gate in the wall of Ancient Damascus from the Roman period. The structure consists of stone and features a large entrance passage with defensive fortifications, beneath which sits a chapel dedicated to Saint Paul.
The gate was built during the Roman period and originally dedicated to Saturn. It later became known as the escape route of Saint Paul, who was lowered from the wall to flee persecution.
The gate takes its name from a slave who gained prominence during Caliph Mu'awiya's conquest in the early Islamic period. Local residents connect this place to the stories from that era.
The entrance is located on the southeastern side of the old town, and it helps to start from a central plaza to get your bearings. The best way to access it is on foot, since the heart of the old town is only partially open to vehicles.
Inside the gate is a window through which Saint Paul was lowered in a basket to escape persecution. This is one of the few places where a biblical event connects to an exact physical location.
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