Are you curious to know the most beautiful tourist places in Syria?
In fact, Syria is a country rich in heritage, as one of the oldest civilizations in the world, it is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Middle East.
From historic castles to stunning shrines, remote monasteries, bustling markets and ancient Roman ruins, there are many amazing places to visit in Syria, a country filled with endless wonders.
It is no wonder that before the crisis, it received more than 8 million tourists annually.
Now this war-torn country is trying to rebuild. Tours are open and travelers are welcome back to what was once one of the most visited countries in the region.
So what are the most important tourist areas in Syria? Let’s get to know her…
The most beautiful tourist places in Syria:
1. Damascus – the capital and the most beautiful places in Syria
Damascus is the largest city in Syria and is also known as the oldest city in the world.
The city offers countless exciting and attractive places to visit. In this city, you can enjoy some Middle Eastern food, along with ice cream, candy, and cakes.
Damascus is one of the best places in Syria to find wonderful markets spread throughout the city. It is considered exceptionally different and offers a unique flavour, undoubtedly a major attraction of the country.
As you wander through the warm darkness of these streets with their fragrant scents, spices and colorful goods spilling from the shops on the sidewalks, you enter a strange world of strange mythology.
– The most important tourist places in Damascus:
The Umayyad Mosque – one of the most beautiful tourist places in Syria
The Umayyad Mosque is also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, and is one of the oldest mosques in the world.
It was built in the seventh century after the Islamic conquest of Damascus.
Nowadays, it is viewed as a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.
It is part of the Old City of Damascus, which is included in the World Heritage List.
Al-Hamidiyah Market – one of the oldest tourist places in Syria
Al-Hamidiyah Market in Damascus is one of the popular markets in Syria, where you can find some of the best traditional goods in the country.
This market dates back to the year 1863 AD, during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid, after whom the market was named.
It is covered with high iron domes, so old that the sun’s rays seep through them into the darkness of the market.
The shops here sell everything you need.
Al-Azem Palace – an ideal place to relax in Syria
Al-Azm is a 17th-century palace built as a residence for Assad Pasha Al-Azm, the ruler of Damascus. During the French occupation of Syria and Lebanon it became the headquarters of the French Institute.
It is now home to the Syrian Museum of Arts and Traditions. A welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Damascus and an ideal place to enjoy some local tea.
Mount Qasioun – for a beautiful view in Syria
The summit of Mount Qasioun rises more than 1,150 meters above sea level. There is a station on the top of the mountain to strengthen radio and television broadcasts.
Mount Qasioun is one of the hiking and entertainment places surrounding the city of Damascus with its beautiful view, as the entire city of Damascus can be seen from it.
2. Al-Hosn Castle – one of the most beautiful tourist places in Syria
Al Hosn Castle is an imposing former Crusader castle. It is located near the city of Homs, and was built in the eleventh century.
It is one of the most important preserved medieval castles in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its location is also important because during the First Crusade, the castle overlooked a valley that was the only road from the city of Antioch to Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea.
3. The majestic Aleppo Citadel
The Citadel of Aleppo is a huge fortified palace in the center of the old city. The use of this site as fortification blocks dates back to the third millennium BC.
The castle has gone through many occupations and renovations over the years, most recently in 2017 when it was reopened to visitors after the Battle of Aleppo during the civil war.
Unfortunately, the citadel is one of the only attractions in Aleppo that survived the war. The Great Mosque of Aleppo and the market were completely destroyed.
The Citadel of Aleppo is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the Old City of Aleppo.
4. The city of Palmyra – the most famous tourist places in Syria
Perhaps Syria’s most famous tourist attraction, Palmyra was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world.
Having existed for thousands of years, the city emerged as a trading stop for caravans on the Silk Road.
In fact the duties imposed on it allowed the construction of the most prestigious building projects in the world at that time. It reached its peak as a Roman city-state in the 3rd century.
Palmyra is a heritage site protected by UNESCO. Reconstruction projects are currently underway after the removal of ISIS occupation in 2017.
5. The ancient city of Bosra – the capital of the Roman province
Busra or Busra al-Sham is a historical city in Daraa Governorate.
In fact this city was the capital of the Roman province in the Arabian Peninsula, and an important stop on the ancient caravan route to Mecca.
In addition there are a magnificent 2nd century Roman theatre, ancient Christian ruins and several mosques within its great walls.
6. The city of Hama – the city of architectural masterpieces
Hama is one of the most famous and beautiful tourist places in Syria and the fourth largest city.
It is located on the banks of the Orontes River in west-central Syria, north of Damascus.
It is one of the most visited Syrian tourist places due to the Hama Water Wheels that allegedly date back to 1100 BC, where travelers can have a snack while overlooking these unique sights.
They were built during ancient Byzantine times in order to transport water to the aqueducts, but only 17 wheels are preserved today.
7. Latakia – one of the most famous tourist places in Syria
It is a governorate located northwest of Syria and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It has one of the country’s largest ports, and most of its lands are covered by beautiful forests and orchards.
In fact, Latakia is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Syria, dating back to the ancient Greek era. Even today, it is considered a prominent commercial port city in Syria.
Largely composed of tall white stucco buildings and palm-lined streets, Latakia is also home to Tishreen University, one of the largest educational institutions in the country.
Moreover, the city of Latakia offers some of the most interesting sites and tourist attractions in Syria, including:
– Salah al-den al-ayobi’s castle
Saladin Citadel is considered one of the country’s most magnificent castles and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Syria.
This magnificent work is completely surrounded by forests; This beautiful castle is still in good condition to this day.
It was also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2006.
– Ruins of the Kingdom of Ugret
The ruins of Ugarit are believed to be the most prominent part of Syria, and are also of great scientific interest from historians and archaeologists because of the city that once existed there.
This city is 6000 years old and is well protected by a firewall.
In fact the city was destroyed at the end of the Bronze Age by the so-called “Sea Peoples” – this was a confederation of seafaring people who aimed to control Egypt and caused damage and destruction in many Mediterranean countries.
8. The city of Maaloula – one of the most beautiful tourist places in Syria
Maaloula is a famous city in Syria, located about 56 km northeast of the country’s capital.
It is a unique architectural masterpiece, as it was built at the foot of the rugged mountain at an altitude of more than 1,500 meters.
9. Saydnaya – a charming mountain village
Saydnaya is a great place to visit in Syria. This mountain village, located 1,500 meters above sea level, is famous for its hilltop Greek Orthodox monastery.
According to Christian and Muslim legends, the Virgin Mary appeared here in the Monastery of Our Lady of Saydnaya.
Climb to the top of the monastery for stunning views of this mountain village.
In fact, it is easy to visit Saydnaya, as it is located only 30 kilometers north of the capital, Damascus.
10. The town of Kafroun in Tartous
It is a town with a very beautiful nature and is located in Tartous and is considered one of the ancient Syrian Canaanite villages.
