Sightseeing in Damascus - what to see. Complete travel guide
Damascus is a city with ancient history. This is one of the oldest cities in the world and the capital of Syria. First mentions of it are found in XII century BC during the times of Ramses II. Since that time many nations conquered Damascus until it was added to Roman Empire in 85 AD. Old center of Damascus is a unique place with pre-antique planning and houses that survived through centuries from those ancient times. On the territory of Damascus are located several dozens of interesting architectural and historical facilities that are definitely worth visiting. For many years Damascus is famous for its goods made of steel, fabrics and glass. Syria got independence only in 1920 and Damascus was proclaimed its capital.
Many hotels in Damascus are created for a romantic getaway. All the conditions to ensure you have an unforgettable vacation with your partner are offered by the fashionable Oriental Hotel … Open
One of the most popular shopping places in Damascus is Al-Hamidiyah market. It is a large covered gallery, located on a beautiful historic street. Here, you can purchase a lot of unique … Open
Among the numerous religious sights of Damascus, Chapel of Saint Ananias should be noted. This underground Christian temple was built during the antiquity era. Up to now, the crypt has kept a set of unique elements for decoration and also unique religious artifacts. In antique times, the people professing Christianity suffered awful persecution. Therefore, many temples during this period were built underground. Only a few of them have survived until now. The Chapel of Saint Ananias is a pilgrimage of world-class importance.
Every year Syrian cuisine becomes more and more popular and attracts many new fans. The best way to enjoy delicious national dishes is to visit one of numerous restaurants in Damascus. … Open
Azm Palace is equally beautiful and interesting. Externally it looks quite modest, but its elegant interior design is capable of surprising even the most experienced travelers. When decorating the palace in the 18th century, precious metals were used. For this purpose, locals actively bought up jewelries. Today, within the walls of the palace, stylish decoration elements of gold and precious stones have been preserved. There is also an inner courtyard with ancient fountains.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Damascus and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Damascus
♥ Castle 'Citadel of Damascus' , 1.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Nimrod Fortress' , 61.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Moussa Castle' , 70 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Beaufort Castle' Lebanon, 73.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Toron' , 89.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Citadel of Damascus' , 1.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Nimrod Fortress' , 61.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Moussa Castle' , 70 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Beaufort Castle' Lebanon, 73.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Toron' , 89.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
National and city parks around Damascus
♥ National Park 'Qaraoun Lake' , 56.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Barouk Cedar Forest' , 59.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Mashgara' , 83.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Hazor' , 86.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Hamat teverya' , 107.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Qaraoun Lake' , 56.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Barouk Cedar Forest' , 59.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Mashgara' , 83.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Hazor' , 86.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Hamat teverya' , 107.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
Art galleries in Damascus and around
♥ Art museum 'National Museum of Damascus' Damascus, 1.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'National Museum of Damascus' Damascus, 1.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
Sights around Damascus from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
The Temple of Jupiter
From the series “The Most Mysterious Constructions of the Planet”
Check on the map: Distance from Damascus center - 57 km.
In the attempt to imagine the process of temple building, one gets a series of unexplained questions. The huge rock platforms, whose weight reaches 1 000 tons, has been raised up to 7 meters. Even with the use of today's modern technology, this task is not so simple. Not far from the temple is the quarry on which the huge monoliths were carved out of the rocks. A monolith remained in the quarry. Its size is equally impressive - the monolith length is 21 meters, the height - 4.2 meters and the width - about 5 meters. As a legend was told, the unique temple was built thousands of years ago on the orders of King Solomon. …
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Baalbek
From the series “15 Historical Monuments, with Riddles not yet Solved”
Check on the map: Distance from Damascus center - 57 km.
One more outstanding artefact that was found on the territory of the ancient town is the "Southern stone". This huge monolith weights about one thousand tons and is the hugest worked stone is the world. Its length is about 23 meters, width 5,3 meters and height 4,55 meters. Who made such unbelievable building in the ancient town and what was the purpose is still a secret. Many independent researchers claim that all these buildings belong to the “hand” of the inhuman creatures. …
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Sightseeing in Syria: things to see
Krak des Chevaliers Fortress, which is located not far away from Homs, is a very interesting landmark of the medieval time. The complex was constructed by the Hospitaller knights and originally it was surrounded by a tall stone wall with protective towers. Only a part of that wall has survived, but the fortress itself is in great condition. During an excursion in this place, you will learn many interesting facts about Krak des Chevaliers. It was considered the most impenetrable fortress in the country and only Sultan Baibars I managed to conquer the fortress by stratagem. … Open
Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
11.10.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
11.10.2024
Search touristic sites on the map of Damascus
All about Damascus, Syria - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Damascus, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Damascus in few days.