Overlooking Damascus since its birth, Mount Kaseyoun has a special place in every Damascene’s heart.

The mountain has several monuments, the most important of which is the “Blood Cave” where many believe Cain killed his brother Abel according to the biblical book of genesis.

The red-stoned cave is reachable from the vicinity of the Salihiya Quarter by a long set of ancient stairs that has been rehabilitated of late.

An Aramaean temple that preceded a Roman temple once stood on the site of this holy cave.

Today a mosque that dates back to the early Ottoman Period has replaced the two earlier temples.

Moreover, many of the city’s neighbourhoods have encroached on Mount Kaseyoun, but the peak of the mountain and the various restaurants there remain only accessible by car though a designated road.

Every visitor to Damascus should see the Eternal City from the top of Mount Kaseyoun.