Damascus Mount Qassioun:
Mount Qassioun, also known as Jebel Qassioun, is a prominent mountain situated on the outskirts of Damascus, the capital city of Syria. This mountain holds immense historical, cultural, and religious significance for the people of Damascus, making it an iconic natural landmark.
As a part of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, Mount Qassioun rises to an elevation of approximately 1,151 meters (3,776 feet) above sea level. It stretches towards the north of Damascus and forms a striking backdrop to the city’s skyline. The mountain is easily recognizable due to its unique conical shape and rugged terrain.
Mount Qassioun offers awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of Damascus and its surrounding areas. It attracts both locals and tourists who seek to revel in its scenic beauty, particularly during moments of sunrise and sunset. Numerous hiking trails and lookout points are available, enabling visitors to admire the sprawling landscape of the city and its impressive architectural wonders.
Mount Qassioun is a significant mountain in Damascus, Syria. It is renowned for its historical, cultural, and religious importance, having witnessed the passage of time and hosted ancient civilizations. Even today, it continues to captivate visitors with its natural splendor and the remarkable views it offers of the city.
Damascus Cave of the Blood:
The Cave of the Blood is a legendary site located in Mount Qassioun near Damascus. According to the legend, it is believed to be the place where Abel (Habil) was killed by his brother Cain (Qabil) in biblical times. The legend states that the blood of Abel stained the mountain, giving it a red appearance from its base up to the halfway point, ending at the entrance of the cave. The cave itself is said to hold historical and religious significance.
Adjacent to the cave, there are stairs that lead to a mosque situated above it. This mosque features 40 mihrabs known as Shrine of the Forty , which are prayer niches in Islamic architecture, aligned along the wall to face the direction of prayer (Qibla).
It’s important to note that while the Cave of the Blood holds cultural and religious significance in local folklore and traditions, its historical accuracy cannot be confirmed. The story is primarily based on legend and religious narratives rather than documented historical evidence. Nevertheless, the Cave of the Blood remains an intriguing part of the local folklore and adds to the cultural heritage of the region.
To access Mount Qassioun and the Cave of the Blood from the old town of Damascus, you can follow these steps:
- Begin by taking a car from your hotel in the old town of Damascus to Ruken Al Deen, also known as Shamdin Square.
- From Shamdin Square, you can take a small minivan that will drive you up the mountain. However, please be aware that as you ascend, the roads may become narrower, and at a certain point, the taxi may no longer be able to continue due to the road conditions.
- Once you reach the point where the roads become too narrow for minivan, you will need to start ascending the concrete steps that lead to the top of the mountain. These steps have been designed to ensure safety and will take approximately 30 minutes to climb.
- At the top of the steps, you will find the entrance to a set of caves and a mosque. This is where the Cave of the Blood is located. From this vantage point, you can enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of Damascus, offering breathtaking sights of the entire city of Damascus.
