Women-Friendly Travel in Damascus
The Damascus women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Damascus
Mausoleum of Saladin
Saladin 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.
Damascus
Roman Arch
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.
Damascus
Old City Gates
The 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.
Damascus
Chapel of Ananias
Within 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,
Damascus
Khan Asad Pasha
Commissioned 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.
Damascus
Azem Palace
This 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.
Damascus
The Army Museum
Exhibits 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.
Damascus
The Historical Museum of Damascus
This 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.
Damascus
National Museum
This 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.
Damascus
The October War Panorama
This is an interesting museum showcasing pieces from the 1973 “October” war with Israel. The fighting was concentrated in the town of Quneitra and ensued over the Golan Heights. This museum contains portraits of the then president, Hafez-al- Assad along with many photographs of the war. It was built by the help of the North Koreans and is a tribute to the lives lost and properties damaged.
Damascus
Jebel Qassioun
This is a mass of bare rock. What is exciting is the myth surrounding it, which claims that the Holy Prophet Mohammad stood on it likening Damascus to Paradise. Tourists should visit this mount at dusk when the city below lights up giving a stunning view.