Culture of Damascus. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The historic district of Damascus is included in the list of the most important sights in the world. This district of the city is surrounded by a powerful protective wall, which was erected yet during the reign of the Roman Empire. After hundreds of years the planning of the district has remained almost unchanged. This is the place where you will find a huge number of unique buildings as well as ruins of ancient buildings. Tourists will see a huge choice of unique historical monuments during their walk in Via Recta Street, which is considered the center of the historic district of the city.

Umayyad Mosque is an important excursion site, which is recommended for visiting for all travelers. The halls of the mosque keep a precious religious artifact - the head of St. John the Baptist. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to the city to worship the sacred relic. Salah al-Din Mausoleum is a no less remarkable religious object. It was named after the great sultan, whose ashes are buried in the mausoleum. The local people remember about the great deeds of their former ruler even today. Tourists may hear many beautiful stories and legends connected with the name of Salah al-Din.

Without a doubt, Qasr al-Azm Palace is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the city. For many years the holiday has remained the residence of the Turkish Wali. Among other religious monuments, which are located in the territory of the historic district, travellers are recommended to visit Church of Our Lady, Church of St. Ananias and Takiyeh Al-Sulaymaniyah Mosque. Bab al-sagyr is another interesting excursion destination. This is a cemetery where many legendary personalities are buried. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Magharat ad Dab is an important natural attraction. There are also many mysterious beliefs connected with this place. It is believed that it was in this cave where Cain took the life of Abel. In Damascus you will find a wide number of museums, each of which exhibits a unique collection of ancient artifacts and art objects. National Museum is a very interesting place the basis of collection of which is represented by numerous archaeological finds. The age of some items is more than one thousand years. During an excursion in the museum visitors will be able to see ancient frescoes that illustrate stories from the Old Testament, ancient art, a collection of weapons and ritual objects.

Continue admiring gorgeous medieval swords and armor at Military Museum the collection of which is considered one of the richest in the world. The items made of the legendary Damascus steel are presented here in their full diversity. The building of the old Academy of Medicine has become home to Museum of the History of Medicine. Despite quite a boring title, the museum offers its visitors to see a very interesting collection of exhibits that illustrate the development of medicine and throw light upon the most important discoveries since the Middle Ages till the present days.