Travel Syria

The capital of the country is Damascus. It is famous for the fact that it is the oldest inhabited city in the world. In the center the Ummayyad Mosque is situated. It was built on the temple to the ancient Aramean god Haddad and is one of the major tourists’ attractions in the capital. Another remarkable part of Damascus is the Old city, full of Roman-styled buildings. The main highlight of the Old city is the Omayyad Mosque where hundreds of people kneel down praying. One more historical site - the 18th-century Al Azem Palace, which has been converted into a national museum. There the best samples of Islamic art are on display. Damascus is surrounded by the fruit orchards, that’s why it is really a spectacular sight especially during the blooming period. All in all the attractions of Damascus are the specific blend of scenic spots and historical ruins. Stay for a couple days in Aleppo, which is the second largest city in Syria. One of the most adventurous activities in Aleppo is to explore the Citadel (built in 12th century) surrounded by a moat. The city attracts the tourists by its souq (market), which is one of the biggest markets in the country. On the road between Aleppo and Damascus do not miss the ancient town of Hama, popular among the tourists because of its wooden water wheels.

Bosra has some of the oldest minarets in the whole Islamic world. In the center of the town the Mosque of Omar is located. It managed to preserve its original facades and became the only mosque surviving from the early-Islamic period. Moreover Bosra houses a well-preserved Roman amphitheater which attracts the tourists by its charming architecture and unique atmosphere. Palmyra contains some of the most famous monuments of the Classical period in the Middle East, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Among them the ruins of the Valley of Tombs, the Great Temple of Bel, and the Hypogeum of the Three Brothers. The Civic Center and the Colonnaded Street of Palmyra are also the notable highlights of the Desert Ruins. Latakia is a principal port of Syria. There is a great deal of historical monuments such as the ruined Temple of Bacchus and a triumphal arch. Latakia Museum without any doubts is a must-visit. The tourists can enjoy the artifacts from the Egyptian, Phoenician, and Ugarit eras. The tourists’ attractions in Homs include the Al-Baath University, Krak Des Chevaliers (the Castle of the Knights), and a great example of Ottoman architecture - the Mosque of Khaled Ibn Al-Walid.