About
The Ancient City of Damascus, also known as Old Damascus or Dimashq al-Qadima, lies within the Old City of Damascus in Syria. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its streets carry layers of history left by many civilizations, reaching back to a foundation in the 3rd millennium BC.
What you will see
The centrepiece of a visit is the Umayyad Mosque, a major landmark within the old quarter. Around it lie numerous historical monuments, so the city rewards slow walking rather than a checklist. Much of the appeal lies in the sense of age: buildings, lanes and courtyards that have been used, rebuilt and reused across many centuries.
What a visit is like
- Walking: The Old City is best explored on foot, letting you move from one monument to the next at an unhurried pace.
- History in layers: Because the city was shaped by many civilizations, a single walk can take you past very different periods of the past.
- Atmosphere: As a living, continuously inhabited city, it is a place where history and everyday life sit side by side.
Planning your trip
The Ancient City of Damascus suits visitors interested in heritage, architecture and the long story of urban life. Before you go, check current travel advice for Syria and confirm access to the sites you wish to see, as conditions there can change. Allow time to wander beyond the main monument, since the surrounding streets are part of what makes the old city worth visiting.