A most popular place of pilgrimage in Syria
Convent of the Virgin
This acropolis - convent was established in the 6th century by the emperor Justinian following a mysterious vision. Occupied today by religious of the Byzantine rite, it was known to the Crusaders as Our Lady of Sardenaya, Its greatest treasure is an ancient icon of Our Lady (Notre-\dame de la Roche) which since the Middle Ages has been attributed to St. Luke himself. The site has attracted innumerable pilgrims, both Christian and Muslim. The sister of Saladin is said to have prayed there and to have offered priceless perfumes to the Virgin.
Jacques Ghislain de Maussion de Favières. Damascus Baghdad, Capitals and Lands of the Caliphs. Dar al-Mashreq, Beirut 1972.
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