Great Mosque of Aleppo
The Great Mosque of Aleppo is regarded as one of the most significant historic mosques in the Old City of Aleppo. In 1986, Aleppo was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical buildings that span from the 11th to the 16th centuries. Constructed in the 8th century, the mosque underwent renovations in the 11th century, during which a fountain was added to its central courtyard along with a 45-meter tall minaret, making it one of the most prominent landmarks of the mosque.
Palmyra
Palmyra, known as تدمر in Arabic, ranks among the most stunning tourist destinations in Syria, located in the Homs Governorate. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980 due to its numerous archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic era. Palmyra is home to a wealth of Aramean, Arab, Greek, and Roman remains, including important structures such as the Senate House, the Court, the Temple of Bel dating back to 32 AD, the Temple of Baalshamin from the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Nabu, the Great Colonnade, and burial temples.
Damascus
Damascus is considered one of the key tourist cities in Syria and holds a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, its settlement dates back to the 3rd century AD, with archaeological excavations indicating habitation as far back as 10,000 BC. The city boasts around 125 historic sites representing various historical periods, including Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine landmarks.
The Citadel of Aleppo
The Citadel of Aleppo is a notable landmark in Syria, perched on a limestone hill. The Ayyubid dynasty constructed its primary structure during the medieval period in the 12th and 13th centuries, while most of the citadel was built in the Ottoman era in the early 16th century. Recent excavations at the citadel have uncovered the remains of a Bronze Age temple from the 2nd millennium BC, featuring inscriptions depicting pagan deities.
Other Tourist Attractions in Syria
Syria is home to numerous beautiful and distinctive tourist attractions, including:
- The Citadel of Nimrud
- The Umayyad Mosque
- The Shrine of Lady Zainab
- Khān Asʿad Pasha in Damascus
- The city of Douma
- Shahba
- Resafa
- Monastery of Saydnaya
- Maaloula
- Tarus
- Ebla
Video: O Sham of Love
If Syria is on your travel agenda, it is essential to familiarize yourself with its most famous attractions.