Ancient City of Damascus
Damascus is recognized as one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, with its founding dating back to the third millennium BC. During the medieval period, it became a hub for crafts such as sword-making and textiles, as well as a significant cultural and commercial center. Numerous artifacts in the city can be traced back to the Roman era, and it also served as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Old City encompasses over 125 sites of cultural heritage, showcasing architectural and archaeological remnants from various periods and civilizations, including Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman influences.
Ancient City of Aleppo
Aleppo is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has historically been a cultural, commercial, and urban center for Northwestern Syria. Dominating the city is the Citadel of Aleppo, which rises 50 meters above the surrounding area and dates back to the 10th century BC.
The city features a rich array of ancient and architectural relics from various cultures, including medieval gates, remnants of ancient Roman street layouts, as well as Ayyubid and Mamluk mosques and schools, alongside numerous Ottoman houses and palaces. The Great Mosque stands out as one of Aleppo’s most significant cultural landmarks; originally established during the Umayyad era, it was rebuilt in the 12th century and features a Mamluk minaret dating back to 1090 AD. Aleppo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
Notable Archaeological Sites in Syria
The city of Bosra is renowned for its wealth of Roman antiquities, featuring imperial palaces, Ottoman tombs, Byzantine churches, and fortifications constructed by the Crusaders. Syria is home to several notable castles that attract tourists, such as the Citadel of Krac des Chevaliers, and the Krak des Chevaliers, which is situated on a hill approximately 500 meters above sea level. Furthermore, the Citadel of Damascus is one of the most prominent tourist attractions located in the northwestern part of the Old City of Damascus.
Video: O Sham, My Love
If Syria is on your travel itinerary, make sure to familiarize yourself with its most famous locations: