Damascus - Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview

Damascus, the capital of Syria, lies on the Barada River in the shadow of Mount Qassioun and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The original settlement was founded at al-Ghouta oasis, where gardens and orchards were irrigated with the Barada River's melted snow water. Archaeological finds have made it possible to date the oasis' first human settlement to around 4000BC, which means Damascus can claim to be one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

The city's dramatic sprawl of recent decades now incorporates the oasis. Because of the abundance of water, many travellers have described Damascus as an earthly paradise, particularly after the hardships of travelling through the desert. It is said that when Prophet Mohammed stood with his caravan on Mount Qassioun and looked at the city, he refused to enter because he believed that men can only enter paradise once: if he entered Damascus he would have to forsake the heavenly paradise.

Damascus has long been an important caravan stop and trading centre, once famous for dried fruit, wine, olive oil soap, wool, linens and silks. The patterned fabric, known as damask, was named for the silk fabrics woven in Damascus. The old city, classified in 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is vibrant with people, but the atmosphere is serene and laid back.

At the heart of the old city is one of the oldest and most sacred Islamic monuments, the Great Umayyad Mosque, resplendent with stunning golden mosaics. Nearby the remnants of the Roman Temple of Jupiter are still standing, and the perfume souk leads to the 18th-century Ottoman Azem Palace.

The only road to cut through the warren of the old city is Straight Street, which leads through the Christian quarter to the Roman city gate of Bab Sharqi, the Chapel of Ananias and the modern St Paul's chapel.

The National Museum, in the new city, is a treasure trove of the country's finest archaeological finds. Next door is the Tekkiye as-Sulaymaniyye Mosque built by the master architect Sinan, and the tekke (monastery for whirling dervishes), now the Army Museum and a handicraft bazaar.

At night Damascenes love going up to Mount Qassioun for cooler air and sweeping views over their magnificent city.

Tourist Information

The main tourist office in Damascus is near the Cham Palace Hotel on Sharia 29 May (www.syriatourism.org). The smaller office next to the Handicrafts Souk near the Tekkiye as-Sulaymaniyye is often closed. Both provide free maps and old-fashioned brochures but offer very little practical information on the city. More information is available online at www.damascus-online.com and www.oldamascus.com.