Christian Damascus: In the Footsteps of St Paul, from Straight Street to Bab Kisan

Damascus is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. One of the best-known stories of the New Testament took place here, and churches of many traditions have lived side by side for two thousand years. This is a half-day route through Christian Damascus.

On the road to Damascus

The Acts of the Apostles tell how Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus when a light from heaven flashed around him; he fell and was blinded, was led into the city and stayed in "the street called Straight". There Ananias came to him; his sight returned, he was baptised, and he became the Apostle Paul, who carried Christianity across the Roman world. In many languages a "road to Damascus moment" now means a sudden, great change.

The stops

• [Straight Street](/blog/straight-street-damascus): the Roman street named in the story.
• The Chapel of Ananias: a small underground chapel in Bab Touma, said to stand where Ananias's house was. You go down a stone stair into deep quiet.
• St Paul's Chapel at Bab Kisan: by the south-eastern wall, recalling Paul's escape by night when his disciples lowered him over the wall in a basket.
• The Mariamite Cathedral on Straight Street: one of the oldest churches in Damascus, seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
• Bab Touma: the gate named after St Thomas, surrounded by a lively quarter of cafés and restaurants.

A city living together

In Old Damascus you hear church bells and the call to prayer in the same minute. In the Umayyad Mosque itself stands the shrine of John the Baptist, visited by Christians and Muslims alike. This long coexistence is part of the city's character.

Feasts

• Christmas: lights and trees in Bab Touma and al-Qassaa, and carol concerts in the churches.
• Easter: scout parades with drums and bugles through the streets.
• The Feast of the Cross in September, most famously in Maaloula.

See our festival calendar.