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Damascus
About Damascus
Damascus is the capital of Syria. It lies about 80 km from the Mediterranean Sea, on the banks of the river Barada. Damascus is surrounded by the Ghouta oasis. Damascus has a wealth of historical sites reminding of the many different periods of the city, dating back to its first settlement as long ago as 5000 BC.
Local highlights
Explore the city
- Visit the Old City surrounded by ramparts and eight city gates, the oldest of which dates back to the Roman period.
- Experience the Souk Medhat Pasha
- See Via Recta with its many small shops
- Visit the old Christian quarter of Bab Touma (St. Thomas's Gate)
Explore its museums and historical sights, such as
- See Citadel of Damascus
- The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Damascus
- See Ananias Chapel
- Azmeh Palace in the old city
- Saladin's Mausoleum
- National Museum
- Museum of the Arts & Popular Traditions of Syria
- One of Syria's most graceful mosques is Takiyyeh as-Sulaymaniyyeh
Highlights in the vicinity
- Mt. Kassioun
- Bosra with one of the best preserved Roman theaters
- Aleppo in the north with its famous citadel and fabulous souks
- Palmyra ruins-the must see in the middle of nowhere
- Crac des Chevaliers-the famous crusader castle
Good to know
- No. of inhabitants: 4.5 Million
- Timezone: UTC +2
- Weather: hot, dry summers and fairly cold winters
Local transport
- Taxi
- Buses and minibuses
Inbound transport
- Nearest airport: Damascus International Airport
- Train: modern trains with connections to Amman
- Buses
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