INTERESTING PLACES
Damascus
Major sights of Damascus include:
The National Museum of Damascus, which displays a wonderful archaeological and historical collection.
The Omayyad Mosque, early 8th century, one of the largest and most famous mosques in the Muslim world. Before you enter the mosque, don’t miss the nearby Saladin's Mausoleum built in 1193 and set in a relaxing garden.
The Azem Palace, once the home of an Ottoman governor and now Museum of the Arts & Popular Traditions of Syria, is a beautiful building built in 1749 from alternating lines of black basalt and white limestone.
Go shopping through the city's main market, the colourful Souq al-Hamidiyya.
St Paul's Chape is located in the east of the Old City. Dedicated to the saint you can see the spot at the old city gate Bab Kisan, where the disciples lowered St Paul out of a window one night so that he could flee the Jews.
Takiyya as-Süleimaniyya, one of Syria's prettiest mosques designed in the Ottoman style, is located at the south of Barada River.
Aleppo
InA major attraction in the centre of the city, visible from nearly anywhere, is the old fortress, The Citadel. Situated on a hill, the fort gives an insight to the various wars that took place here. Guided tours are available for the visitors to enjoy the place.
The San Sebastian is an old cathedral and a monastery with beautiful lawns and ancient architecture. An interesting collection of antiquities and relics which range from the Stone Age to the modern period can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Aleppo. Also, artefacts from the Greek, Roman and Islamic periods are featured in the museum.
The Great Mosque is a beautiful structure and the largest mosque in the city. The splendid architecture which includes carved marbles, stunning minarets and pavilions is a delight to watch.
Shoppers can revel in the various markets, also known as ‘souqs’, where they will find apparels, jewellery, electronics and other household stuff.
Being a city with its roots in antiquity, the city’s main attractions are its historical structures. The Kahled Ibn Al-Walid Mosque is an exquisite structure, with a metal dome, which reflects the sunlight.
Visit the Homs Museum, which displays some very interesting archaeological artefacts, dating back to the ancient Syrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Arab eras.
The Kaneesat Um Zunnar Church and Kaneesat Mar Elian Church (containing Arab and Greek scriptures dating back to the twelfth century AD) are marvellous buildings in themselves. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the underground monastery and chapel of the Syrian Aramain Church is a must.
Other attractions worth visiting include the Citadel Homs Old Gates, Al Nouri Mosque and the ancient souks.
Between Tartus and Homs lies the most important castle of the middle ages, Krak Des Chevaliers, which can be visited by the many excursions available from Homs.