Syria Travel Guide

Ancient City of Damascus

The ancient city of Damascus, often hailed as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, is a living museum of civilizations. Its historical significance is evident in landmarks like the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, and the Azem Palace, a stunning example of 18th-century Damascene architecture.

The city’s old souks, such as Souk Al-Hamidiyah, offer a bustling array of traditional crafts and foods, enveloped in the rich aromas of spices and the sounds of everyday life. Damascus is not just a historical site; it is a vibrant hub where the past and present coexist, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the heart of Syrian culture and history.

Palmyra’s Ruins

Palmyra, once a vital caravan city linking the Roman Empire with Eastern trade routes, stands majestically amidst the Syrian desert. The city’s unique blend of Graeco-Roman and Persian architectural influences is evident in the remarkable ruins that dot its landscape, including the majestic Temple of Bel and the imposing colonnades that line its ancient streets.

The site is especially magical during sunrise or sunset when the golden hues of the sun accentuate the beauty of its ruins, creating a surreal and contemplative atmosphere. Palmyra’s rich history, which saw it flourish under the rule of the enigmatic Queen Zenobia, adds a layer of intrigue and grandeur to this ancient site, unfortunately severely damaged by Islamic State militants in 2015.

Aleppo’s Citadel

The Citadel of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to the city’s long and turbulent history. Perched atop a massive mound, the Citadel dominates the cityscape and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Its imposing entrance, massive gates, and well-preserved structures are a showcase of Islamic military architecture.

Within the city, the ancient souks of Aleppo, now partially damaged, once served as a bustling trade center, teeming with rich fabrics, spices, and traditional crafts. The city’s diverse cultural heritage is evident in its numerous mosques, churches, and synagogues, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the confluence of cultures.

Krak des Chevaliers

Krak des Chevaliers, hailed as the epitome of Crusader castles, is a stunning example of medieval military architecture. Perched on a hilltop within the lush Syrian countryside, it offers breathtaking views and a strategic vantage point that was crucial during the Crusades. The castle’s formidable walls, ramparts, and well-preserved living quarters provide a vivid glimpse into the life of knights and soldiers in the medieval era.

Its significance lies not only in its military history but also in its role as a cultural and administrative center during the Crusades, making it a site of both historical and architectural importance.

Ugarit Ancient City

The ancient port city of Ugarit is a groundbreaking archaeological site, primarily known for the discovery of one of the world’s earliest known alphabets. Unearthed tablets showcasing this early form of writing offer invaluable insights into the Bronze Age civilizations. The ruins of Ugarit reveal an advanced urban layout with temples, palaces, and libraries, indicating a highly sophisticated society.

The city’s strategic location on the Mediterranean coast facilitated its rise as a significant trade and cultural center, where artifacts from as far as Mesopotamia and Egypt have been found, highlighting its role in the ancient trade networks.

Saladin’s Castle

Saladin’s Castle, also known as Sahyun or Qal’at Salah El-Din, represents a pivotal period in Syrian history, where the legendary figure Saladin played a key role. This fortress, strategically located in the Latakia mountains, overlooks the surrounding valleys, offering a commanding view that was crucial for defense.

The castle’s complex network of walls, towers, and gates exemplifies the military architectural advancements of its time. Its historical significance is heightened by the fact that it was a focal point during the Crusades, serving as a bridge between different cultures and epochs.

The Dead Cities

The Dead Cities, or Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, are a group of abandoned settlements dating back to the 4th to 6th centuries. These villages, scattered across the Aleppo countryside, provide a unique insight into rural life in Late Antiquity and the Byzantine period. The well-preserved ruins, including churches, monasteries, and homes, showcase the skillful use of stone construction and the adaptation to the rural environment.

Exploring these quiet, hauntingly beautiful landscapes offers a unique opportunity to wander through a forgotten chapter of history, imagining the lives of those who once inhabited these now-silent stones.

Apamea’s Roman Ruins

Apamea, once a flourishing Roman and Byzantine city, is renowned for its grand colonnaded street, stretching over a mile and lined with hundreds of columns. This ancient thoroughfare, along with the city’s extensive ruins of temples, theatres, and public baths, provides a striking example of Roman urban planning and architecture.

The city’s strategic location on the Orontes River made it an important commercial and military hub. Today, wandering through Apamea’s ruins, one can sense the city’s former grandeur and imagine the bustling life of this once-great center of commerce and culture.

Bosra Amphitheater

Bosra, an ancient city in southern Syria, is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. This magnificent amphitheater, built from black basalt, could seat up to 15,000 spectators and was a central part of social and cultural life in Roman Bosra.

The city’s rich history encompasses Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras, with numerous ruins reflecting this layered past. Exploring Bosra is like walking through different periods of history, each represented by the diverse architectural styles and historical relics scattered throughout the city.

The Water Wheels of Hama

The city of Hama is famous for its Norias, ancient water wheels dating back to the Byzantine era. These impressive wooden structures, some reaching heights of over 20 meters, were historically used to lift water from the Orontes River for irrigation purposes. The Norias of Hama, still standing today, are not only an example of early engineering prowess but also a symbol of the city’s heritage.

The rhythmic sound of the turning wheels and the serene riverside setting provide a picturesque and peaceful experience, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and traditions of Syria’s past.