Ain al-Fijah

Ain al-Fijah is a green oasis near Damascus and has been a vital water source since Roman times. The town is located in the pretty Barada Valley, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and lush orchards. The main attraction is the spring house, built over an ancient Roman temple complex. For residents of Damascus, Ain al-Fijah is a popular weekend getaway destination. Numerous restaurants along the Barada River offer the chance to enjoy traditional mezze in the shade of plane trees while the water rushes by right next to you. It is a place of refreshment and natural beauty. Local gastronomy is known for its trout dishes and fresh fruit. The journey is easy via the road from Damascus. The best time to visit is late spring and summer when the river water provides natural cooling and the gardens are in full bloom.

Nearby cities

Douma

Douma is the administrative center of the Rif Dimashq Governorate and is located just a few kilometers from the capital Damascus.

Yabroud

Yabroud is a city in the Qalamoun Mountains known for its historical sites and as a summer resort.

Bloudan

A prestigious mountain resort near Damascus, famous for its cool climate and orchards.

Zabadani

Zabadani is a picturesque resort town in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and traditionally a popular destination for tourists from the Gulf St…

History & landmarks

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Bakha

An ancient village in the Qalamoun Mountains where Western Aramaic is still spoken today.

Saidnaya Monastery

A majestic Christian pilgrimage site atop a mountain, traditionally believed to have been founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.

Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque

A major Shia shrine near Damascus that houses the tomb of Zaynab, the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

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Sednaya Cherubim Monastery

A high-altitude monastery in the Qalamoun Mountains, famous for its spiritual significance and a monumental statue of Jesus Christ.

Monastery of St. Thecla

A Greek Orthodox monastery in the picturesque mountain town of Maaloula, where a dialect of ancient Aramaic is still spoken today.

Deir Mar Musa

A Syriac Catholic monastery built high on the steep slopes of a desert gorge near Nabk.

Nature

Barada

The Barada is the main river of Damascus, creating the famous Ghouta oasis that sustains the city.

More places

Wadi Barada

Wadi Barada is a picturesque mountain valley through which the Barada River flows to supply water to the capital, Damascus.

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Anti-Lebanon Mountains

The Anti-Lebanon Mountains are a rugged mountain range forming a natural barrier between Syria and Lebanon.

Ghouta Oasis

A historically rich agricultural area around Damascus that has supplied the city with fruit and vegetables for millennia.

Happy Land Amusement Park

A popular amusement park near Damascus that offers families a variety of rides and attractions.

Adra Industrial City

A massive industrial complex northeast of Damascus, housing thousands of factories and workshops from various sectors.

Qalamoun Mountains

The Qalamoun Mountains are the northeastern extension of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range and a strategically important mountainous region…