A Unique Underground Church

The Chapel of Saint Ananias in the ancient city of “Damascus” Syria has been a place of worship for close to 1500 years. Often referred to as the House of Saint Ananias, what makes this church unique is that it lies underground.

The church is believed to be the very place where Ananias of Damascus once lived. Ananias, who is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, was given the task to heal Saul (later Paul the Apostle) who had gone blind for 3 days.

It is not exactly clear when Ananias’ home became a church, but estimates say before the Arab Conquest in 636 CE. The Franciscan Holy Land Custody rebuilt the religious site in 1820, adding some final changes to the chapel in 1973. 

This humble chapel is made up of two small rooms made of stone, and very simple furniture and little to no decoration. The small church has a few pews facing an altar at the front, and the style reminds us of what early Christian churches were once like.

Believe it or not, this church still holds services and it remains an important pilgrimage site for Christians from all around the world.