Maaloula is located in Rif Dimashq Governorate in Syria, approximately 56 kilometres north-east of Damascus in the Qalamoun Mountains. It is famous for being one of the last towns in the world where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken. It is also home to the historic churches of Saint Thecla and Saint Sergius, which attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
Maaloula is about 56 kilometres from Damascus and can be reached by car in approximately one hour via the Damascus-Homs highway.