Traditional Site
House (Chapel) of Ananias
HOWSS of an-uh-NYE-us · Modern Bab Sharqi Quarter, Old City of Damascus, Syria · 33.5114° N, 36.3175° E
A subterranean chapel near the eastern end of the Street Called Straight, venerated as the traditional site of the home of Ananias, the disciple who was sent by the Lord in a vision to lay hands on the blinded Saul, restore his sight, and baptize him (Acts 9:10-19). It is one of the oldest continuously venerated Christian sites in Damascus.
Archaeology
Excavations in 1921 under the modern chapel uncovered remains of a Byzantine-era church dated to the 5th or 6th century, indicating the site was venerated by Christians well before the modern structure. The Franciscan Custody rebuilt the house into its present chapel form in 1820, with further renovation in 1973. The identification of this specific underground room as Ananias's actual house rests on continuous local tradition rather than any inscription or artifact naming him.
On a modern map
Further reading
Reflect
In this house, tradition says, Ananias greeted his former enemy as 'Brother Saul' — who would be hardest for you to greet as family?
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