Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt
Church Ancient Syriac church housing revered holy belt relic
The Church of the Holy Belt in Homs is an ancient Syriac Orthodox church reputed to hold the Virgin Mary’s girdle; pilgrims and visitors come for its religious importance and historic fabric.
Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt is an ancient Syriac Orthodox church in the old city of Homs, Syria, noted for a relic venerated locally as the belt of the Virgin Mary.
Pilgrims and visitors come for the relic and for the church’s role in local Christian practice. The building is a focal point for religious ceremonies and local devotion rather than a museum-style historic site.
The site has been a Christian place of worship for many centuries and the church was rebuilt and altered multiple times across its history; it serves the Syriac Orthodox community of Homs.
Located within Homs’s historic district in western Syria, the church sits in the urban fabric of the city and is accessible from central Homs.
- Relic: Housed relic venerated as the Holy Belt (girdle) of the Virgin Mary, which gives the church its common English name.
How to Get to Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt #
Located in Homs Governorate; access depends on local conditions. If travel is possible, use local guidance for routes and security.
Tips for Visiting Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt #
- Given Homs region security and access variability, check current travel advisories and local conditions before planning a visit.
- The church's art and relics are sensitive; photography may be restricted-ask permission.
Best Time to Visit Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt #
Visits depend strongly on local security and access; seasons matter less than current safety conditions.
Weather & Climate near Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt #
Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month, feeling like 27°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month, feeling like 27°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
