Aleppo – Syrian Catholic Church of Saint Asia al-Hakim حلب – كنيسة مار اسيا الحكيم السريان الكاثوليك
The Syrian Catholic Church of Saint Asia al-Hakim (كنيسة مار اسيا الحكيم السريان الكاثوليك) was constructed in 1500, one of the earliest churches built in the historic neighborhood of Jdeideh (جديدة). The church was originally called the Cathedral of Our Lady of Syrians and was the seat of the Syrian Catholic Patriarchate between the 17th and 19th centuries. It continued to serve as the main cathedral for the Syrian Catholic diocese of Aleppo (حلب) until 1970, when the newly constructed Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption was opened and the patriarchate moved. The old church was renamed after Saint Asia al-Hakim (مار اسيا الحكيم) the same year. The church was severely damaged during sectarian violence that engulfed the city of Aleppo (حلب) in 1850, and was later restored.
As most of the Syrian Catholic community has migrated to other areas of Aleppo (حلب) and worship in the more modern and centrally located Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, the Syrian Catholic Church of Saint Asia al-Hakim (كنيسة مار اسيا الحكيم السريان الكاثوليك) is often closed and access may be difficult. There are Sunday services as well as services on Catholic holidays. The interior of the church, measuring thirty-two by sixteen meters, is fairly restrained in decoration. The design incorporates many arches in alternating black and while stone supported on columns. It is one of the more charming churches in the city, and a visit is recommended if the church is open.
Getting There: The Syrian Catholic Church of Saint Asia al-Hakim (كنيسة مار اسيا الحكيم السريان الكاثوليك) is located in the southern section of the historic Jdeideh (جديدة) neighborhood of Aleppo (حلب). It is approximately one hundred and fifty meters south of the Maronite Cathedral of Saint Elias (كاتدرائية القدّيِس الياس) and Farhat Square (ساحة فرحات), and is located between Beit Ajqabash (بيت أجقباش) and the Armenian Orthodox Church of Forty Martyrs (كنيسة الأربعين شهيدا للأرمن الأرثوذكس).
Coordinates: 36°12’22.00″N / 37°09’22.00″E
Transliteration Variants: Syrian Catholic Church of Saint Assia al-Hakim
Rating: 3 / 10