This Syrian-Orthodox Christian monastery is well worth a trip out of town. The Patriarch of the Syrian-Orthodox Church moved his residence here in 1160, when he and his followers were driven out of Antioch (modern Antakya).
Dedicated to Ananias, the monastery complex contains three churches, which adjoin the rear facade of the arcaded courtyard, all surrounded by high fortress-like walls.
The building originally dates from the 5th century but has been destroyed twice; first by the Persians and then by Tamerlane.
