Maaloula is a small town located in the Rif Dimashq Governorate of Syria. It is located about 56 km to the northeast of Damascus and is situated in the foothills of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The town is known for its historical and cultural significance, as well as for being one of the few places in the world where Aramaic is still spoken, an ancient Semitic language spoken by Jesus Christ.

Maaloula is home to several ancient monasteries, including the Monastery of St. Thecla, which is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. The town also features a number of old churches, including the Church of St. George and the Church of St. Sergius. One of the main attractions of Maaloula is its beautiful natural surroundings, with the town nestled in a valley surrounded by rocky cliffs and mountains.

The town has been inhabited since at least the 1st century AD and has been an important center of Christian worship since the early days of Christianity. It has been a target of numerous invasions and attacks throughout its history, including during the Syrian Civil War, when it was briefly controlled by ISIS. Despite these challenges, the town has managed to maintain its ancient traditions and way of life, and remains a significant pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world.