Church of Saint Simeon Stylites

Aleppo Governorate, Syria

Freely accessible

Public space — no opening hours to check.

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Located approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Aleppo in Syria, the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites is one of the oldest surviving church complexes, founded in the 5th century and completed in 490. Built in Byzantine architectural style on the site of the pillar of Saint Simeon Stylites, a renowned stylite monk, the church functioned as both a martyrium and pilgrims' hostel. At the time of its completion, it was the largest Christian church in existence, remaining unsurpassed until the construction of Hagia Sophia was finished in 537. Now largely ruined, the complex is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains known locally as either Qalaat Semaan (the "Fortress of Simeon") or Deir Semaan (the "Monastery of Simeon").