CONVENT OF ST. GORGES (MAR SARKIS)

Another visit can come to complement that of krak. The convent dedicated to Saint George was very frequented during the feast of the Holy day on 6 June, and on 14 September, on the occasion of the Feast of the Cross. Devoted to the Greek Orthodox cult, this massive building of 52 rooms was held in the time of Emperor Justinian, in the life of the century in B.C., and is inhabited today by a small dozen monks. One of them will take you to the chapels. Donation possible. Two superimposed chapels deserve a visit. The oldest, on the ground floor, dates back to the th century and presents a beautiful ebony wooden iconostasis depicting the life of the saint. Beautiful Damascus tiles are hidden under red curtains. The second chapel, built in 1857, just above the first, also includes beautiful icons accompanied by a collection of objects of worship.

Access. The convent is located 11 km from the Krak des Chevaliers, near the village of Mamarita. On the road, ask Al-Houmayra or Deir Mar Georgis, Arab appellations of the convent. You can also charter a taxi from the krak or your hotel, about 200 LS the return (one quarter of an hour).