Damascus is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is rich with history you can see displayed in the varied architecture found in and around the city. Much of its history lays buried under the modern metropolis, but a keen eye will find the expressions of the many different peoples that have called this ancient city home.

The Old City

The old city is surrounded by the Roman wall erected to keep the citizens safe from invasion. The only remaining gate from this period is on the east, the Bab Shariq. The other seven gates are from the later Muslim influence.

The layout of the old city shows the classic Roman design, which is sharply contrasted against newer Islamic streets which are typically narrow. The Umayyad Mosque dominates the old city and is one of the largest and most prominent in the world.

Aleppo

This northern city is Syria’s second-largest, and, like Damascus itself, is a modern metropolis built on top of layers of historic cities. As elsewhere, it is easy to see the mingled influences of the past cultures present in the area today, making Aleppo a colorful and eclectic adventure.

The city’s largest mosque is known simply as the Great Mosque, although it is not as large as Umayyad in Damascus. While the area is predominately Islamic, Aleppo boasts a cultural diversity not seen in most of Syria, including a Christian section that has its roots in the time of the Byzantine Empire.

The Suk areas of the city feature the type of Middle Eastern bazaars that many visitors associate with the Arab world. The little shops showcase the area’s creative skills, selling crafts, soap, fabrics and other exquisite goods.

Outside Aleppo is the Crusaders’ citadel, which offers daily tours and a stunning view over the city.

Museums

Some of Syria’s finest museums can be found in Damascus. In the old city is the National Museum, home to artifacts from the Aramaic and Roman eras. It has one of the largest collections of sculptures, bronzes and pottery, including some of the oldest surviving pieces in the world. The museum is open every day except Tuesday.

In the Madrassa the Historical Museum of Epigraphy and its collections of manuscripts and other printed works can be found. For paintings and other contemporary art, visit the National Museum of the Arts and Popular Traditions, located in the former Azem Palace.

The Historical and Army Museum chronicles nearly 10,000 years of military history in the region. It showcases arms, armor and uniforms from the various powers that played a role in the development of the city from the ancient era, through the Middle Ages, to the modern day.