Home > Travel > Destination International >

Damascus

Description: Damascus (دمشق transliteration: Dimashq, also commonly known as ... more

Damascus ... الشام ash-Shām) is the largest city of Syria and is also the capital. It is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, before Al Fayyum, and Gaziantep. Its current population is estimated at about 4.5 million. The city is a governorate by itself, and the capital of the governorate of Rif Dimashq (Rural Damascus). / Founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. In the Middle Ages, it was the centre of a flourishing craft industry, specializing in swords and lace. The city has some 125 monuments from different periods of its history – one of the most spectacular is the 8th-century Great Mosque of the Umayyads, built on the site of an Assyrian sanctuary.

Newest Review: ... known as Saladin in the west, this is the tomb of the arab hero who eventually pushed out the western crusaders. 4.Mount Qasioun-the peak has panoramic views over Damascus, at night the old city is illuminated and breathtaking sight from above. After appreciating the sights of this most ancient of cities the other attractions can be explored. Visit a hammam (Turkish bath) to scrub away the ... more

... cities dirt, then relax with apple-flavoured smoke in a Hookah bar. Finally try falafel or shawarma along with juice freshly squeezed in front of you from one of the many venders around the town....more

Read Reviews for Damascus

Damascus, modern and ancient capital (366 words)
by - written on 24/05/09 (Useful, 9 readings)
Rating:

The name Damascus brings up biblical images, thoughts of epiphany and crusading knights on their way to the holy land. Nowadays as the capital of Syria, Damascus is a modern city but it retains a magical edge to it as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The walled old city is specatular and away from the buzz of the city it has an authentic medieval air where if you close your eyes it is possible to feel knights, islamic clerics and saints walking around you. Open your eyes and the venders in the souqs, stunning surroundings and calls of the Muezzin are just as evocative. The old city is the focus of most of the sights of the city. ... Read the complete review

Products similar to Damascus

More products in Destination International

Ubon Ratchathani

Udon Thani

Umphang

Krabi
Cheap accommodation, amazing islands surrounding Not too many sites in Krabi town itself

Phang Nga Bay

Talcahuano

Arima
Small, easy to get around, friendly Not as much to do as Port of Spain

Castara

Cha-am
Cheap food and drink! Cheap everything! not so nice beach....

Chachoengsao

Advantages and disadvantages from the dooyooCommunity

Read 1 review

Write a review