DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Hejaz Railway Station

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°5
Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)

Weather…

The Hejaz Railway Station in Damascus, also known as Kanawat Station, is an architectural landmark from the late Ottoman era. Designed by the Spanish architect Fernando de Aranda and completed in 1917, the building showcases a unique blend of European Neo-Renaissance style and traditional Islamic ornamental motifs. Its interior is famed for its intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and a magnificently painted ceiling that reflects the aesthetic sophistication of early 20th-century Damascus. Originally, the station served as the northern terminus of the Hejaz Railway, which connected Damascus to the holy city of Medina, significantly reducing travel time for Hajj pilgrims. The railway project was launched by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and funded primarily through donations from across the Islamic world to avoid reliance on European loans. Although regular train service across the entire line ended following the disruptions of World War I, the station remains a vital cultural monument in the heart of the city. Today, it functions as a spirited public space, housing bookstores and cafes while preserving its grand historical facade.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C561014192426262319117
Rain mm6957291871002133557

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Hejaz Railway Station in Damascus is a historic terminal with public access to its impressive halls. Visitors can usually view the richly decorated ceiling and stained-glass windows during opening hours, though security checks apply.
🕒
Typical hours
As a public railway station, it is generally open during daytime hours with train schedules. Exact opening times for the historic hall may vary; it is best to check locally or plan for a morning visit when the light enhances the stained glass.
📷
Photography
Photography of the grand interior and stained-glass windows is typically allowed without flash. Be mindful of any signs or staff instructions, especially near active railway areas.
⏱️
Time needed
A thorough visit of the station's historic interior and a walk along the platforms takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you plan to explore the surrounding area or take a train, allow more time.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with a stroll through the old city of Damascus, including the Umayyad Mosque and the Souq al-Hamidiyya. The National Museum of Damascus is also within easy walking distance from the station.
🧭
Getting there
The station is centrally located near the city center of Damascus, accessible by taxi or local bus from most parts of the city. Parking is limited, so public transport is recommended.
💡
Insider tip
Visit in the late morning when sunlight streams through the stained glass for the best photographic effect. Carry your passport as identification may be required for entry to the historic hall.

Geography

Coordinates
33.51330, 36.29360

Facts

  • The station was completed in 1917 by Spanish architect Fernando de Aranda.
  • It was the starting point for the 1,300 km rail journey to Medina.
  • The interior features exquisite stained glass and hand-painted ceilings.
  • Construction was funded by international donations to ensure Islamic ownership.
  • The railway line was famously targeted by T.E. Lawrence during WWI.
  • The station area now hosts a popular book market and cultural venues.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tekkiye MosqueTekkiye Mosque<1 km · SExplore →
Temple of JupiterTemple of Jupiter1 km · NExplore →
Tishreen ParkTishreen Park2 km · SExplore →
Al-Adawi ZooAl-Adawi Zoo2 km · NEExplore →
Al-Jalaa ParkAl-Jalaa Park4 km · SExplore →
Mount QasiounMount Qasioun4 km · SEExplore →
Sayyidah Zaynab MosqueSayyidah Zaynab Mosque8 km · NWExplore →
Happy Land Amusement ParkHappy Land Amusement Park11 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hejaz Railway Station (5)

Zaki Al Arsouzi Park🌳 park

A well-known urban park space offering green scenery and walking paths near the Hejaz Railway Station.

Wtkya Al Molaoya Mosque⛪ religious

An established Islamic place of worship with historical resonance situated near the Hejaz railway district.

Zayd bin Thabit Mosque📍 landmark

A local Muslim mosque serving the community's spiritual needs in the area of the Hejaz railway landmarks.

Al Ward Grand Mosque📍 landmark

A substantial Islamic mosque characterized by its large congregation spaces near the Hejaz railway terminal.

Tawooseeyeh Mosque📍 landmark

An Islamic worship center distinguished by its architectural features near the Hejaz railway station.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hejaz railway station still operational?
No, it now serves as a museum and historical monument.
Can I see the old carriages?
Yes, some historical carriages are accessible to visitors.
Where exactly is the building located?
Located centrally in Damascus.
What is the highlight of the visit?
The well-preserved architecture and nostalgic atmosphere of the station.
Is this place suitable for families?
Yes, children usually find the old trains very exciting.
Hejaz Railway Station: where is it located?
Hejaz Railway Station is located in Syria.
Hejaz Railway Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zaki Al Arsouzi Park, Wtkya Al Molaoya Mosque, Zayd bin Thabit Mosque.
Hejaz Railway Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Hejaz Railway Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Hejaz Railway Station in Damascus, also known as Kanawat Station, is an architectural landmark from the late Ottoman era.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Syria →

Nearby cities

Damascus — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Damascus
Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

History & landmarks

Tekkiye Mosque — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Tekkiye Mosque
An impressive Ottoman mosque complex in Damascus, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.
National Museum of Damascus — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
National Museum of Damascus
Syria's most important archaeological museum, presenting millennia of history from prehistoric times to the Islamic era.
Mausoleum of Saladin — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
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 — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
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&#39;ad Pasha — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
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 — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
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 — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
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 — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
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 — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Temple of Jupiter
Remains of a gigantic Roman temple that once dominated the center of Damascus.
Umayyad Mosque — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Umayyad Mosque
Built in the 8th century, this mosque in Damascus rests on the foundations of a Roman temple.
Tishreen Park — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Tishreen Park
One of the largest public parks in Damascus, providing a green oasis in the heart of the bustling capital.
Al-Adawi Zoo — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Al-Adawi Zoo
An urban zoo in Damascus that is a popular excursion destination for school classes and families with children.
Al-Jalaa Park — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Al-Jalaa Park
A well-known sports and leisure park in Damascus, providing facilities for various outdoor activities.
Mount Qasioun — Hejaz Railway Station (Syria)
Mount Qasioun
Mount Qasioun rises directly above Damascus, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire capital city.