Damascus

Damascus, the capital of Syria, is often cited as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, standing as a monumental bridge between antiquity and the modern era. Located in southwestern Syria at the base of Mount Qasioun, the city owes its existence to the Barada River, which created a fertile oasis in a semi-arid landscape. Throughout the millennia, Damascus has been a coveted prize for many empires, including the Aramaeans, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, eventually reaching its political zenith in 661 AD as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. This era saw the construction of the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, renowned for its memorable mosaics and as the resting place of the head of John the Baptist. The walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, preserves a dense urban fabric of narrow alleys, traditional courtyard houses, and historic gates. It is also a site of profound religious significance, particularly for Christians, as the location of St. Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus and the Ananias Chapel. Economically, Damascus was a vital terminus of the Silk Road, gaining fame for its legendary Damascus steel, intricate brocades, and marquetry. While the 21st-century Syrian Civil War caused immense displacement and damaged surrounding areas, the inner core of the city remains a cultural bastion. Modern Damascus is a contrast of ancient stone walls and contemporary glass buildings, housing the Syrian Parliament, major universities, and national museums. The city is famous for its bustling souks, such as Al-Hamidiya, and its deep-rooted culinary traditions, where the scent of jasmine and grilled meats fills the air, maintaining a sense of continuity in one of the most historically significant locations on Earth.

History & landmarks

Tekkiye Mosque

An impressive Ottoman mosque complex in Damascus, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.

National Museum of Damascus

Syria's most important archaeological museum, presenting millennia of history from prehistoric times to the Islamic era.

Hejaz Railway Station

The historic terminal station in Damascus, famous for its richly decorated ceiling and impressive stained-glass windows.

Mausoleum of Saladin

The final resting place of the famous Ayyubid Sultan Saladin, located in a small garden next to the Umayyad Mosque.

Azem Palace

The Azem Palace in the Old City of Damascus was built in 1749 as the residence of the Ottoman governor and is a masterpiece of Islamic ar…

Khan As'ad Pasha

The largest caravanserai in the Old City of Damascus, famous for its spectacular nine domes and striped stone facade.

Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque

A magnificent mosque in Damascus that contains the tomb of Imam Hussein's daughter and is known for its elaborate mirror mosaics.

Bab Sharqi

One of the ancient city gates of Damascus and the only one that still retains its original Roman appearance with three arches.

More places

Citadel of Damascus

A completely flat-level citadel built not on a hill but at the same elevation as the rest of the old city.

Temple of Jupiter

Remains of a gigantic Roman temple that once dominated the center of Damascus.

Tishreen Park

One of the largest public parks in Damascus, providing a green oasis in the heart of the bustling capital.

Umayyad Mosque

Built in the 8th century, this mosque in Damascus rests on the foundations of a Roman temple.

Al-Adawi Zoo

An urban zoo in Damascus that is a popular excursion destination for school classes and families with children.

Al-Jalaa Park

A well-known sports and leisure park in Damascus, providing facilities for various outdoor activities.

Mount Qasioun

Mount Qasioun rises directly above Damascus, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire capital city.