Ancient City of Damascus, World Heritage Site in Damascus, Syria
The Ancient City of Damascus is an old town in Syria containing around 125 cultural sites enclosed by stone walls with Roman origins. Bazaars, religious structures, and residences fill the narrow lanes and form an interconnected network of trading streets and worship spaces.
The settlement began over 4,000 years ago and passed through periods under Aramean, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule. Each era left traces in the architecture and urban layout that persist to this day.
Mosques and churches shape daily life in the old city, showing how different religions have coexisted here for centuries. You see religious symbols and prayer spaces everywhere as people move through these shared sacred places.
The narrow lanes are best explored on foot and there are several entry points from the modern quarters. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the winding streets require patience and time to navigate and orient yourself.
Many houses display plain exterior walls but conceal lavishly decorated interior courtyards with fountains, flowers, and carved woodwork inside. This hidden beauty reveals itself only when you step through the doorways.
Location: Damascus
GPS coordinates: 33.51111,36.30639
Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:38
Umayyad Mosque
40 m
Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque
8.1 km
Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
500 m
Citadel of Damascus
417 m
Al-Hamidiyah Souq
441 m
Mount Qasioun
4.8 km
Al-Azm Palace
106 m
Council of Ministers of Syria
3.5 km
Mausoleum of Saladin
119 m
Presidential Palace, Damascus
5.1 km
National Museum in Damascus
1.5 km
Sulaymaniyya Takiyya
1.4 km
Temple of Jupiter, Damascus
246 m
Amman International Stadium
1.8 km
Bab al-Saghir
531 m
Bab Tuma
868 m
Abbasiyyin Stadium
1.8 km
Saint George Cathedral in Damascus
803 m
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque
259 m
Tishreen Palace
4.2 km
Statue of Saladin
536 m
Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral
968 m
National Library of Syria
2.7 km
Damascus Opera House
2.6 km
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
5.1 km
Khan As'ad Pasha
218 m
Chapel of Saint Paul
991 m
Bab Sharqi
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