Damascus' architectural and
historical gems are contained within the Old
City. There are many things to see
here, so make sure to set a few days aside if possible. Bringing to mind images
of oriental carpets and bazaar stalls, old Damascus
has kept much of its old charm. This is just a small list of things you'll be
seeing:
Souk al Hamidiyeh.
Enter at the citadel, where you'll see ruins of Damascus'
city wall. Do bazaars capture your imagination? You will soon come to the
Souk al Hamidiyeh, only one of the many marketplaces that run together
throughout the Old City.
Beautiful handicrafts are just a part of the great ethnic items available
here. For a side trip, the Temple
of Jupiter, part of a Roman
monument left over from the days of the Empire, is located in this area.
Make sure to bring a trusty pair of walking shoes, because trekking Old
City could easily while away
the hours. Hopefully you will come home with many intriguing souvenirs and
great memories of one of the Middle East's remaining
portals to the past
Omayyad Mosque.
This impressive sight has existed since the 700s A.D. The land itself was
inhabited by a Syrian pagan temple countless centuries ago, and then
surpassed by a Roman temple. When the building was made into a church, the
Christians soon found they had to share, and both they and Muslims used
different parts of the complex. Today, the striking beauty of the brightly
decorated mosque and its fascinating history entices visitors from all
around the world
Saladin's Mausoleum.
This is actually part of the Omayyad Mosque complex. Many know Saladin, or
Salah-ad-Din, as the Muslim who won Jerusalem
in the 12th century from the Christian crusaders. Perhaps you wish to
admire the achievements this man made that transcend culture, religion,
and time. Please be respectful upon entering the mosque, and comply with
any rules that may be applicable
Al Azem Palace.
This was the home of As'ad Pasha al-Azm. One of the most historical and
most hands-on things to see in Damascus,
the palace provides a great opportunity to take many memorable photos and
soak in the history and beauty of the Middle East.
The palace is restored to its original specifications and has many rooms
showcasing life as it was centuries ago
Al-Zahiriyah Library.
In the Middle Ages, many Arabic countries were known for their love of
learning and the scholars they produced. The Arabs were some of the first
to have hospitals, schools and libraries. Al-Zahiriyah is an example of
their great accomplishments. Also a public school, the library is what
became famous as one of the world's timeless treasures. Its collections
date from ancient times, a true example of the Islamic thirst for
knowledge