Founded in 1919, the National Museum of Damascus houses an excellent collection showcasing Syria's history. The museum has two wings to explore. The west wing contains pre-classical and Arab Islamic collections, and the east wing contains classical and Byzantine collections. The most popular attraction is the reconstructed synagogue from the second century AD. Its walls are covered with Talmudic injunctions and paintings of human figures from scenes in the Scriptures.

Back to index

Stretching from Souk Midhat Pasha to Azem Palace, Souk al-Bzouriyeh is known for its spice and soap shops, which send aromas of herbs and spices wafting through the air. Here you will also find the 12th-century al-Nouri bath.

Back to index

Damascus is well-known for its covered souks (markets). Souk al-Hamidiyeh is the largest and most popular of them all. It is built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress, the remains of which are still visible. It has been rebuilt several times, most recently in the 13th century. Though it sells a variety of items, it is renowned for its handmade crafts, women's clothing and jewellery.

Back to index

Built in 1574 by Darwish Pasha, the entrance to this souk is at the end of Souk al-Hamidiyeh, just outside the Umayyad Mosque. Strolling through the market you will encounter shops filled with everything from embroidered cloths, cloaks, capes and shawls to items used for tailoring and sewing.

Back to index

Built in 1878 by Damascus Governor Midhat Pasha, this souk features clothing, including traditional Bedouin apparel. There are also paint shops, dispensaries of traditional medicines and much more to be found as you stroll through the market, which is partly under cover and partly open air.

Back to index

This 18th-century building contains historical documents relating to the inhabitants of the city of Damascus. Much like Azem Palace, it is regarded as a fine example of old Damascene architecture.

Back to index

Located in the Old City, Damascus Citadel was built on the same level as the city, unlike any other citadel in Syria. It has been demolished and rebuilt numerous times since it was first erected by the Seljuks in AD 1078. What you see today dates back to the Ayyubid and Mameluke periods, when Sultan al-Adil used the citadel to protect Damascus from the Crusaders and Mongols in the 13th century.

Back to index

This Iranian mosque, completely rebuilt in 1993, features a courtyard made entirely of marble. Here you will find the ancient tomb of Hussein's daughter. Female visitors will be given gowns to wear upon entrance.

Back to index

Located in the heart of the Old City, Azem Palace was built in the mid-18th century as a private residence for the Governor of Damascus. A great example of a Damascene house, its simple exterior contrasts with a beautiful interior filled with marble, cascading fountains and fragrant flowers. Each room is designed and decorated to showcase typical Damascene traditions, such as preparation for Hajj and preparation for marriage.

Back to index

The Umayyad Mosque is considered one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in Syria. It has drawn worshippers for over 3,000 years. This prestigious monument features a spacious marble courtyard, gilded walls, early Islamic inscriptions and three elegant minarets, each built in a different style. Female visitors will be given gowns to wear upon entrance.

Back to index

Covered in silver and gold, with ornate windows and extravagant chandeliers, this shrine looks like a jewel. Hundreds of pilgrims from around the world flock here daily to pay tribute to the Prophet's granddaughter, who is believed to be buried here.

Back to index

Another highlight in the Old City, St. Paul’s Church, was built to commemorate the memory of St. Paul (Saul of Tarsus). As the biblical story goes, he was charged by the Romans to persecute Christians, but was converted while on the road to Damascus and ended up becoming a staunch advocate of Christianity.

Back to index

A main attraction in the Old City is the Wall, which was built in the Roman era. It features seven gates, impressive arches and towers. Though large parts of the Wall have been destroyed throughout the centuries, one section of historic significance still exists in its original form and stretches from Bab al-Salam to Bab Tuma. Many of the gates are still there, along with additional ones made during the Islamic era, such as Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Faraj. Two of the remaining original towers on the Wall are the Nureddin Tower to the south and al-Saleh Ayoub Tower to the east.

Back to index

Just 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Damascus, the village of Seydnaya is spread out over a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. A few points of interest which can be found here include the Deir Sherobim (Sherobim Convent), which was built in the third century AD and houses the Icon of Wonders; the famous Church of Sophia; and a monastery founded in AD 547 containing a portrait of the Virgin believed to have been painted by St. Luke.

Back to index

The village of Buqein is famous for the mineral springs that gush from the hillside. People stop here to sample the fresh water that is bottled and sold throughout the Middle East. Buqein lies on the hilltop between Zabadani and Bludan.

Back to index

The village of Erneh is known for the over 300 springs that come together to create the al-A'waj River, and also for the fresh strawberries, cherries, apples and peaches that grow in the area. Located just 52 kilometres (32 miles) from Damascus, it is situated at 1,400 metres (4,593 feet) above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Hermon.

Back to index

This summer resort is located in the Damascus countryside, just 47 kilometres (29 miles) north of the city. It is a popular spot for Damascenes looking to escape the summer heat and relax in the fresh air amid beautiful scenery. At 1,175 metres (3,855 feet) above sea level, it overlooks the plains of Zabadani and features a small lake surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafés and playgrounds.

Back to index

The resort town of Bludan is situated 1,500 metres (4,921 feet) above sea level. It is spread out over the mountain overlooking Zabadani. With cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery, this is an ideal spot to enjoy a memorable sunset or relax at one of many restaurants and cafés.

Back to index

Palmyra, one of the best-preserved ruins of a Roman city, is an oasis in the desert. Take at least one whole day there to wander about the ruins, visit the museum or explore a city just awakening to modern times. The sanctuary of Bel is Palmyra's largest monument, housing a temple surrounded by a vast esplanade, leading onwards to the monumental archway and Great Colonnade. To the west of the ruins, a number of funerary towers stand, some storeys high, comprising a unique group of architectural structures. Between the city and the ancient ruins is the archaeological museum. Its centrepiece is an elaborate sarcophagus, and it also has a good selection of rich fabric fragments and mummies.

Back to index