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The Roman Arch is located amidst the Christian quarters. This originally consisted of three arches of which only one remains at the entrance of the Christian quarters. Numerous Christian sects now reside here.
The Roman Arch is located amidst the Christian quarters. This originally consisted of three arches of which only one remains at the entrance of the Christian quarters. Numerous Christian sects now reside here.
Timings: Daily, throughout the day Admission: Free Address; Christian quarters, Old City Tel: none
Keep exploring Damascus.
damascusTourists can take their children to swim in the Olympic Pool at this sports complex.
damascusThis historic site has witnessed much of the life of Damascus. Located in the Old City, it was built by the Selujiks at the end of the 11th and during the beginning of the 12th centuries. Subsequent invaders and rulers all made modifications leaving their mark on the Citadel. One of them, Saladin, who was the famous Ayubbid sultan, further strengthened the Citadel to resist attacks during the Crusades. The Mamluks, the Ottomans and the French all adapted it; the last turned it into a prison which it remained till the middle of the 1980s. This magnificent stone structure is integral to the city of Damascus; do not miss it as it also serves as a venue to various festivals, concerts and functions. The Citadel has certainly undergone a change in function from its past to its present.
damascusSaladin was a famous Sultan, most renowned for his role as leader of the Muslims during the bloody Crusades. He died in 1193 and his mausoleum is a low rise white building with a red dome. Contained within it is a walnut wood cenotaph containing Saladin’s body carved with intricate motifs representative of the Ayubbid Era. Also contained within, is a marble tomb gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany who visited Damascus at the turn of the 20th century and financed the restoration of the Mausoleum.
damascusThe Old City had thirteen entrances and, therefore, gates. These were built for the purpose of protection by the Romans and were often destroyed and later rebuilt. Only one of these gates dating back to the Roman era remains; it is known as the Bab-ash-Sharqi. Other gates built at later stages include Bab-al-Farag or the Gate of Joy, Bab-al-Faradis, Bab-as-Salaama or the Gate of Peace built by the Ayubbids, which incidentally is considered the most beautiful of them all, and Bab-as-Saghir or the Little Gate.
damascusWithin the Old City are the Muslim, Jewish and Christian quarters. Within the Christian quarter is this small chapel which is located inside a cellar of an old house that belonged to Ananias,
damascusCommissioned by Asad Pasha in the 1750s, this cathedral is a truly magnificent piece of architecture. It comprises of eight domes and a round aperture with gigantic piers and arches. This spacious area is also well illuminated with natural light.
damascusThis Palace was built in the 1740s by the Governor of Syria, Asad Pasha Al Azem. It incorporates the traditional architectural styles visible around the city of Damascus- that of striped stonework- alternately layered limestone and black asphalt. The interior is much more extravagant. The ceilings of the rooms are painted beautifully with intricate tile work on the floors and wood paneling on the walls. The palace comprises of a number of structures, gardens and courtyards. It has served as the emperor’s residence and later passed into the hands of the French who used it as an institute of archaeology and Islamic Art. When the Syrian uprising against the French took place, the palace was damaged by the riots and fire, but was later restored to its former glory. It also showcases Syrian artefacts such as pottery, ceramic, textile, musical instrument and costumes.
damascusExhibits at this museum date all the way back to the Bronze Age. The simplest to the most sophisticated weapons are on display, giving visitors an interesting insight into the evolution of armory from past to present, particularly in the context of Syria. Fascinating pieces include the remnants of a plane from the war with Israel in 1973.
damascusThis is one of Damascus’s most interesting museums. It is worth a visit since it gives tourists an insight into the rich culture of Syria. This museum is basically a house, and within each room and courtyard of this house are knick knacks, photographs and diagrams related to the Old City. There is a wonderful model of the Old City too. Each room’s décor incorporates traditional Syrian style.
damascusThis is an extremely remarkable museum and a must stop for any visitor to Damascus. It is a good course in the colorful history and culture of the city. The exhibits are fascinating and labeled in English and Arabic. The museum is divided into categories corresponding to the three eras in Syrian history; Pre-Classical, Classical and Islamic.
Keep exploring Damascus.
damascusThis is one of Damascus’s best known restaurants. Aleppan cuisine is at its finest here. The décor is extravagant and luxuriant. Specialties include hummus accompanied by a fabulous capsicum dip and kebabs with pomegranate sauce.
Mouth watering Syrian cuisine is served here. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out a wide range of authentic dishes. The restaurant is housed in a renovated old Damascene house. Specialties include the lamb with lemon sauce and chicken with thyme. The hummus is divine too.
damascusThis lovely restaurant serves delicious Syrian and French cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it.
damascusThe menu here is dominated by French cuisine but guests can also opt for some of the traditional grilled lamb/ chicken dishes and spiced rice.
damascusThis is a popular food joint amongst the Damascene upper class. The ambience is relaxed and contemporary. The menu lists dishes from around the globe including pizza, pasta, fajitas, nachos and a range of grilled meats.
damascusThis is one of Damascus’s famous restaurants. The ambiance is very casual and the food too is unpretentious. Delicious pizzas and pasta are served here.
damascusThis is arguably Damascus’s most magical restaurant. The location is fantastic and the view breath-taking (it looks out over the magnificent Omayyad Mosque). The grilled lamb and chicken are divine, as are the eggplant croquettes.
damascusHoused in the courtyard of a beautiful old Damascene house dating back to the 1700s, the ambience in this restaurant is vivacious and down-to-earth with some of the diners engrossed in cards and backgammon. Come here for some delectable kebabs, thyme pizza, falafel, a diverse range of hummus, traditional Syrian bread and spiced rice.
damascusThis is a great place to hang out and is extremely popular with the younger generation of Damascenes. The ambiance is unpretentious, relaxed and lively with some indulging in cards, backgammon and sheesha. Excellent sandwiches, salads, pastas and fresh drinks are available here. Cuisine: International Address: Abu Roumana, Sharia Abdul Malek, Northwest of Central Damascus Tel: +963-11-333-1288
damascusFor those on a budget, this is a great place to eat out. The restaurant is small and intimate. What makes it so fascinating and the outing so enjoyable, is the fact that the restaurant exhibits the works of local artists and more often than not, guests will be able to see these local artists seated at nearby tables painting/ drawing away. Plus, the pizza is delectable.
Keep exploring Damascus.
damascusOriginally a house, this beautiful boutique hotel dates back to the 17th century. Guests will be treated to excellent service and simultaneously absorb the rich history of the vibrant Old City of Damascus. This hotel is located inside the Christian quarter. The décor is beautiful and elegant, mirroring the rich traditional Syrian style of low rise beds, carved wooden cabinets and glass lamps. Rooms are decorated differently, reflecting a specific period of Syrian history. There is a courtyard too, which creates a grand ambiance. In room facilities include satellite TV and a mini bar. Hotel facilities include a gallery, a restaurant and a bar. This hotel is in an excellent location; most of the attractions are located close by.
damascusThis is arguably one of the city’s most lavish hotels, located in downtown Damascus. Rooms are large and well decorated. In room facilities include satellite TV and a mini bar. Hotel facilities are plentiful and include a beauty salon, pool, gym, sauna, restaurant, bar, room service and internet access.
damascusThis hotel is located in an ideal part of the city. The national museum and other attractions are not far off. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and the ambiance of this hotel is best described as chic. In room facilities include satellite TV, mini bar, a safe and internet access. Hotel facilities are abundant and include a café, restaurants, bars, dining room, gym, pool, sauna, massage service, laundry service, room service, medical service and money exchange facilities.
damascusThis hotel is in a prime location. It is a popular choice amongst tourists who vie for one of the 60 rooms available. Rooms and bathrooms are large and elegantly decorated. In room facilities include satellite TV and a safe. Hotel facilities are abundant and include a café, dining room, laundry service, room service, medical service, a hair dresser and money exchange facilities.
damascusLocated in an ideal spot in the centre of the city, the Sheraton faces the Quassioun Mountain and is 10 minutes away from the Old City. Arguably the most luxurious in Damascus, this hotel comprises of more than 270 rooms. In room facilities include satellite TV, internet access, maid service, cribs, hairdryers, irons, a coffee maker, a mini bar and a safe. Hotel Facilities include a hair dresser, laundry service, room service, medical service, money exchanger, a children’s pool, a gym, an outdoor pool, restaurants, bars and a disco.
damascusThis hotel dates back to the 1920s and faces the old Hejaz Train Station. It has been a guesthouse to many famous personalities. The décor is antiquated and the rooms are spacious and clean. The Orient Palace used to be one of the most lavish hotels, before competition arrived.
damascusThis hotel is in a wonderful location in the Old City, with the main historical attractions located nearby. Within a restored Damascene Palace, the rooms in this hotel are a wonderful culmination of old meets new. Traditional Syrian décor is integrated into an overall minimalist style. In room facilities include satellite TV, internet access and a mini bar. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, a pool and a Turkish Hammam/ sauna.
damascusThis hotel is located close to the National Museum and other sites. The décor is simple and elegant and the rooms are comfortable and clean. In room facilities include satellite TV, a fridge and a hairdryer. The hotel staffs are friendly and well versed in English.
damascusThis hotel is located close to the National Museum and other sites. The décor is simple and elegant and the rooms are comfortable and clean. There is a choice between classic and executive rooms. In room facilities include satellite TV, fridge, hairdryer and internet access. Hotel facilities include a bar.
damascusThis hotel is quite popular with Iranian pilgrims who come to visit the holy shrines in Damascus. Its affordability is the reason it's quite popular with tourists as well. Rooms are comfortable and clean and in room facilities include satellite TV, a fridge and a hairdryer.