Main image

Shaza Askar CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt

Church

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 DamascusAleppoPalmyraLatakiaSaint Mary Church of the Holy Belt
In this guide

Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt essentials

Address: Homs, Syria
GoogleAppleOSM

About Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Spring/Autumn
March-May, September-November · 10-26°C (50-79°F)
Moderate temperatures that make time outdoors comfortable when conditions allow.

Weather & Climate near Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 90 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 3° - 11° 5° 80 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.2 m/s 0.4 low 10.0h
February Acceptable 3° - 13° 7° 69 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.3 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.8h
March Very Good 6° - 17° 12° 55 mm partly cloudy 64% 2.5 m/s 1.1 high 11.8h
April Very Good 11° - 23° 17° 34 mm partly cloudy 56% 2.6 m/s 1.6 very high 12.9h
May Excellent 15° - 28° 22° 19 mm some cloud 48% 2.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.8h
June Ideal 18° - 32° 25° 2 mm clear 41% 3.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.3h
July Ideal 21° - 34° 27° 0 mm clear 40% 4.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 14.1h
August Ideal 21° - 34° 27° 0 mm clear 44% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.3h
September Ideal 18° - 32° 25° 2 mm clear 48% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 12.3h
October Ideal 14° - 27° 20° 24 mm mostly sunny 52% 1.8 m/s 1.1 high 11.2h
November Very Good 7° - 19° 13° 41 mm some cloud 60% 1.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
December Acceptable 4° - 13° 7° 72 mm partly cloudy 69% 1.7 m/s 0.4 low 9.7h
Getting There & Around

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.