Damascus sights offer a taste of magnificent Islamic architecture with slight Christian influence. Damascus, the capital of Syria, is said to be the oldest city in the world and consequently some of its structures have been built during Biblical times. It is a city laden with history and mystery, where some sites are considered very holy.

Ummayad Mosque

This Mosque is one of the most ancient and magnificent mosques in the world. This magnificent piece of architecture is located in one of the holiest sites in the old city and was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Until recently, the mosque housed the shrine and the head of the saint. In 2001, Pope John Paul II went to the mosque to visit the relics of the saint. Other important features of the mosque are: the Ablutions Fountain in the center of the courtyard, Saladin’s mausoleum, and the head of Husayn–the grandson of Muhammad.

Azem Palace

Once the governor’s residence, Azem Palace is now the home of the National Museum of the Arts and Popular Traditions. Built in 1749, it is located near the Citadel in the old city, and is quite an attraction with its elaborately designed fountains, rooms on display, paintings, and contemporary art. The rooms are particularly interesting as they include an old Haman (bath house).

Arab Epigraphy Museum

This madrassa (Islamic educational institution) was built in the 15th century and is a splendid example of Mamluk-era architecture. Although it contains a small collection of illuminated calligraphic manuscripts and other printed works, the main attraction is the building itself, intricate and grand in its design.

Via Recta

Via Recta, which is Latin for Straight Street, was constructed under the supervision of the Romans during the era of the Roman Empire. This 2,000 year old colonnaded road was mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Acts as having been visited by St. Paul. Via Recta is approximately 1,600 meters long, because it spans the length of the old city of Damascus, which is now mostly underground. At the halfway span of the road, a Roman archway can be observed, and along the street is St. Paul's Chapel, where St. Paul was believed to have fled.

Army Museum

The Army Museum has an interesting collection of military weaponry from the Bronze Age to the near present. Exhibits include flint arrowheads and a pile of twisted metal than turns out to be planes shot down during the 1973 war with Israel.

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You’ll most likely enter the Old City at its western end next to the citadel —incidentally this is the only spot where the ancient walls have been torn down. The large open archway leads directly into the Suq al Hamidiyeh the largest of several interconnected serpentine bazaars. It runs in a straight line east and west to a Roman arch (once part of the Temple of Jupiter) which opens onto a large square. This is where most of the sights are to be found at close distance.