Seydnaya’s biggest attraction is its beautiful churches, the crowning glory being the castle-like Convent of Our Lady. Built in 547, the church was founded by Justinian, when he was camping in the desert during a campaign against the Persians.

As per folklore, when Justinian was out hunting a deer, a bright light suddenly surprised the emperor. The deer converted into a lady and commanded the emperor to build a convent at the site. Therefore, Justinian built the convent and made his sister the first mother superior at this convent.

The portrait of Virgin Mary installed in the convent is rumoured to have been painted by Saint Luke. Christians and Muslims from all over the world come here to pay their homage and get healed. The church is famous for its astonishing healing stories.      

Other churches built in the city are St Thomas Roman Catholic Monastery, St Estphariuos Orthodox Monastery, Cherubim Monastery and St Ephram Monastery.

Major sights of Damascus include:
The National Museum of Damascus, which displays a wonderful archaeological and historical collection.
The Omayyad Mosque

A major attraction in the centre of the city, visible from nearly anywhere, is the old fortress, The Citadel. Situated on a hill, the fort gives an insight to th...