Time Zone |
Asia/Damascus |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Yerevan |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Maloula is an ancient town in western Syria, situated in the mountains about 60 kilometers north of the capital Damascus, at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, and known for its steep terrain and well-preserved ancient villages. The town's most distinctive label is "the last bastion of Aramaic", an ancient language from the time of Jesus that is still spoken by its inhabitants, and is one of the few places in the world where Aramaic speakers are concentrated. Mallura has a rich Christian heritage, including the Monastery of St. Sergius and the Monastery of St. Thacker, built in the 4th century AD, with its beautifully sculpted buildings in Roman and Byzantine styles. The town's picturesque natural and man-made landscape is characterized by stone houses built into the hills, winding stone alleyways and surrounding cliffs. Despite its destruction during the Syrian civil war, local residents and restoration agencies are working to preserve this cultural treasure as a symbol of Syria's diverse civilization and resilience.
Sevan is a small town in the Armenian province of Gegharkunik, located in the eastern part of the country on the shores of Lake Sevan, about 66 kilometers from the capital city of Yerevan. The town is famous for its eponymous alpine lake, Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Eurasia, at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level, which is known as the "Pearl of Armenia".
Lake Sevan is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and crystal clear waters, making it an important tourist and recreational destination in Armenia. The town boasts historical monuments such as the Sevan Monastery, a 9th-century monastery situated on a peninsula overlooking the lake, which attracts many tourists and pilgrims. The local economy is based on fishing, tourism and agriculture, and the climate is cool enough for summer vacations.
With a population of around 20,000, the town of Sevan retains its traditional Armenian culture, while the infrastructure is constantly being improved to provide accommodation and catering services. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the nature and history of the Caucasus and is easily accessible for short trips.