Syria hotels

Syria sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Numerous magnificent monuments of the antique period, churches and monasteries, architectural complexes and museums remain the main attraction point for tourists in Syria. In the city of Aleppo it will be very interesting to visit an ancient fortress that is located on the main square. The fortress was built in the beginning of the 13th century; slowly more and more new buildings appeared near the fortress and in the end of the century it was already a big city instead of a small settlement. The fortress was a very important strategic point during the war with Mongolia. It successfully countered numerous attacks and managed to keep its original look. Nowadays, in the fort one can see old mosques, tombs, palaces and houses.

Unique sights of Syria from our series 'Extreme places on Earth'

These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
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The ancient city of Bosra is a very important archaeological landmark. During the prehistoric era there was a large city instead of modern Bosra. According to scientists, it was founded yet during the reign of Amenhotep. During the reign of the Roman Empire the city changed its name to Nova Trajana Bostra. For many years the city was the reason for military actions as it was located on the crossing of important trading routes. Later the city became the territory of the Byzantine Empire, so now it's possible to see architectural landmarks that belong to the three great epochs. In Bosra you will find ruins of first Arabian temples, an ancient Roman theatre and Byzantine churches.

Krak des Chevaliers Fortress, which is located not far away from Homs, is a very interesting landmark of the medieval time. The complex was constructed by the Hospitaller knights and originally it was surrounded by a tall stone wall with protective towers. Only a part of that wall has survived, but the fortress itself is in great condition. During an excursion in this place, you will learn many interesting facts about Krak des Chevaliers. It was considered the most impenetrable fortress in the country and only Sultan Baibars I managed to conquer the fortress by stratagem. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Unique sights of Syria from our series 'Extreme places on Earth'

These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
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Palmyra remains one of the most beautiful settlements in the country. According to the Bible, this ancient city was founded by Solomon himself. Nowadays, ruins of Roman palaces and forums remind of the glorious past of Palmyra. Besides important historical landmarks, Palmyra is distinguished by magnificent nature as it was built in oasis in the desert. As the settlement is very popular with travelers, modern hotels started appearing near Palmyra, so a vacation there will be not only interesting but also comfortable.

History and Entertainment

Tourists come to Syria not only for walking along the Bible places and seeing famous attractions. Shopping enthusiasts love being here too and are attracted by colorful markets. There are such markets almost in all cities. The largest of them are located in Damascus and Aleppo. When walking along market rows, you can buy beautiful golden and silver jewels, luxurious silk scarves and clothes in national style, fragrant spices, and craft items.

Unique sights of Syria from our series 'Extreme places on Earth'

These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
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Local craftsmen create amazing wooden items. Syria is notable for the production of shoes and accessories of genuine leather. Many tourists come to market to buy popular national sweets and high-quality olive oil. All shopping enthusiasts should definitely remember that it is accustomed to bargaining in Syria, and not only on markets, but also in private shops.

The national cuisine of Syria has a lot of interesting features too. Here, you can taste popular national dishes not only at restaurants, but also on the market. The guests of national restaurants will be offered to taste different lamb dishes. In street stalls, you can buy fresh kebabs. The traditional national dish is pilaf, to which raisins are added. At the restaurants, different sorts of kebabs are served.

Unique sights of Syria from our series 'Extreme places on Earth'

These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
Read further

Syria is famous for its exquisite sweets, most of which have been prepared according to the old recipes for many hundred years. The world-famous sweet is sherbet and baklava. Connoisseurs of more original desserts will definitely like kunafa. This dessert is made of dough, to which fresh cheese, nuts, cream and sweet syrup are added. The most popular drink here is coffee. You should never refuse a cup of this drink, as such behavior is a sort of mauvais ton.

It is not surprising that some of the most popular souvenirs here are different accessories for making coffee. You can buy different sorts of coffee, ground or grain, in markets or special shops. It should be also noted that Syria is distinguished by quite a loyal attitude towards the selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages. You can drink at restaurants or in pubs but should not do this in other public places.

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Reference information

Map of all castles

Castles of Syria
♥ Castle 'Citadel of Bosra' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Citadel of Damascus' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Citadel of Homs' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Citadel of Tartus' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Fakhr-al-Din al-Maani Castle' . On the map Show on the map

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Map of all palaces

Palaces in Syria
♥ Palace 'Royal Palace of Mari' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Tishreen Palace' Damascus. On the map Show on the map

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Famous and uniques places in Syria from our review series

Hamoukar

From the series “Remains of the First Ancient Cities”

The ancient city of Hamoukar is a unique archaeological monument. It is located in the North-Eastern part of modern-day Syria. Official archaeological research began in the area in 1999. The best specialists from Syria and the United States participated in them. The version that one of the oldest cities in the Middle East was located in these places was confirmed in the course of these studies. The ancient city was founded in the 5th Millennium BC. It did not last long, only about 500 years. It was destroyed in the course of the next conquest.

Researchers believe that the surviving inhabitants of the ancient city founded new small settlements near the ruins very soon. Location a few large settlements were discovered in the vicinity of Hamoukar. The findings indicate that representatives … Read all

Saidnaya and Maaloula

From the series “ Survived Artifacts of Early Christian Civilization”

Those who are interested in the history of the Christian culture are recommended to visit ancient settlements in Syria. Saidnaya and Maaloula are excellent examples of communities that were able to save not only the priceless Christian places of interest, but also a unique way of life. These small villages are very close to each other, so as part of the tour travelers usually visit them together.

According to the latest data, the population of Maaloula is not more than 1 000 people; about 2/3 of their number are Christians. This picturesque mountain village can boast with the Mar Thecla monastery that is famous far beyond the country. The monastery is carved in the rock. Its main feature is a small cave with a chapel. According to one of the ancient legends, relics of St. Thecla are kept … Read all

Amphitheatre Bosra

From the series “Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational”

The main historical symbol of the Syrian city of Bosra is an ancient amphitheater, which was built in the 2nd century AD. The ancient amphitheater, designed for 15000 spectators, was built from black basalt, the most common building material for these places. The ancient arena, like many other similar structures, is distinguished by its unique acoustics. Despite its greatness, 200 years after the construction, the amphitheater began to lose its primary importance.

In the 5th century it was supplemented by a number of fortification structures. Powerful fortress walls were built, the construction was surrounded by a deep moat. From an architectural point of view, the amphitheater in Bosra is a rather unusual building. Unlike many Roman amphitheaters, it was built not on the mountainside, … Read all

All unique sightseeing Syria

Sightseeing in popular cities of Syria

Damascus

Among the numerous religious sights of Damascus, Chapel of Saint Ananias should be noted. This underground Christian temple was built during the antiquity era. Up to now, the crypt has kept a set of unique elements for decoration and also unique religious artifacts. In antique times, the people professing Christianity suffered awful persecution. Therefore, many temples during this period were built underground. Only a few of them have survived until now. The Chapel of Saint Ananias is a … Read more

Hama

Scientists assume that there was already a settlement in the Hama region during the Neolithic and Iron Age. At that time, the settlement was called Hamat, which is not much different from the current name. Together with Damascus, this town formed the central part of the Aramaic kingdom. When Macedonia attacked Hama, the Syrian region got a new name – Epiphaneia. However, Macedonians couldn’t keep this territory for a long time and soon they had to give the region to a new owner, the … Read more

Aleppo

According to archaeological findings, the first big city on the site of modern Aleppo appeared yet during the 6th millennia BC. During the prehistoric times, this was an important center of trade and warcraft. In the 3rd millennia BC, Aleppo was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ebla. At the time, Aleppo had another name, Armi. For thousands of years, Aleppo was the epicenter of continuous battles. Many leaders and kings wanted to make this area their own. Invaders completely destroyed the … Read more

Bosra

Having arrived in Bosra and walked on its streets a bit, you might feel like you are in a night kingdom. Despite the tragic shade of buildings, the settlement looks enchanting and is inviting visitors to learn more about its secrets and try to solve them. The unusually dark ruins create a fantastic atmosphere of mystery. Bosra has always been famous as one of the earliest settlements in Syria. First people appeared here yet during the 14th century BC. At that time, Thutmose III was the … Read more

Syria sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

History and Entertainment

Famous and uniques places in Syria from our review series

Hamoukar

Saidnaya and Maaloula

Amphitheatre Bosra

Sightseeing in popular cities of Syria

Map of travel guides to Syria cities