Cathedral of Constantine and Helen, Yabroud
كاتدرائية قسطنطين وهيلانة في يبرود
Ancient church in Yabroud built over a Roman temple whose walls are still visible, among the oldest churches in Syria.
In Yabroud in the Qalamoun mountains north of Damascus stands the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen, one of Syria's oldest churches, built inside a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter Yabrudis, the city's god.
With the spread of Christianity in the 4th century the temple became a church named after Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. The massive dressed stone walls of the Roman temple remain visible, a clear witness to the continuity of the sacred site.
Yabroud lies in the Qalamoun mountains north of Damascus.
It belongs to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church and holds old icons. The Yabroud area is also known for prehistoric rock shelters with very ancient stone tools. The church pairs well with a visit to Maaloula and Saidnaya.
Note: photos may not reflect the site's current condition.
For the visitor
Location: 33.9672, 36.6572 · Open on the map
Photos
Photos: Gianfranco Gazzetti — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
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