Table of Contents
Introduction
Syria is a land rich in history, with origins dating back to the ancient civilizations of the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians. Dotted across this culturally diverse country are historic cities, ancient ruins, and medieval castles that provide a window into its storied past. This article will take you on a journey through some of Syria’s most captivating historic sites that unveil its ancient wonders.
Ancient Cities
Aleppo
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo contains layers of history spanning thousands of years. Wander through its atmospheric Old City with cobblestone alleys, medieval mansions, and a 13th-century citadel perched on a hill. Don’t miss the iconic Grand Umayyad Mosque, and the bustling covered souk bazaars.
Damascus
The vibrant capital of Syria overflows with historic mosques, churches, and landmarks. The 8th-century Umayyad Mosque is particularly stunning with elaborate mosaics. Meander through the Old City’s winding lanes and alleys discovering historic homes and monuments like the Azem Palace.
Palmyra
Once an important trading stop on the Silk Road, the magnificent ancient ruins of Palmyra rise from the Syrian desert. Marvel at the colonnaded main street, theater, temples, and evocative Funerary Towers. Its history as an ancient caravan oasis is palpable.
Roman Ruins
Temple of Bel
Palmyra’s Temple of Bel, dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, is a remarkable Roman-era temple that combines both Roman and indigenous architectural styles. Its altar stood at the center of the temple complex.
Amphitheatre
Palmyra’s Amphitheatre gives insight into the city’s era as a Roman province. Built in the 2nd century CE, it seated over 7,000 people. Gladiator battles, animal hunts and public executions likely took place here.
Colonnade
Palmyra’s iconic Colonnade is a striking one kilometer-long street flanked by towering Corinthian columns. It once linked the city’s major monuments and was likely used for ceremonial processions.
Christian Heritage
Maaloula
In this cliffside village, some residents still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Ancient stone houses and monasteries carved into the rock reveal Maaloula’s history as an early center of Christianity.
Monasteries
Stunning Greek Orthodox monasteries like Mar Musa al-Habashi and Deir Mar Yakub offer amazing hilltop views. Explore their ancient churches and get a sense of the ascetic lives lived by monks here.
Churches
From the early Christian period till today, churches across Syria provide a glimpse into the continuous history of Christianity in the region. Don’t miss the Byzantine-era Mar Sarkis Monastery and the Greek Catholic Mariamite Cathedral.
Crusader Castles
Crac des Chevaliers
This remarkably intact Crusader castle was built in the 11th century CE by the Hospitaller Order of Saint John. Strategically located, it protected the route between Antioch and ports on the Mediterranean coast. Its imposing concentric walls and towers are a military architectural marvel.
Qalaat Salah Ed-Din
Also known as Saladin’s Castle, this 12th century fortress is perched dramatically on a hill surrounded by green valleys and hills. Explore its towers and atmospheric underground rooms that held supplies during sieges.
Ancient Villages
Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi
Founded in the 6th century by an Ethiopian monk, this cliffside monastery village contains ancient churches and frescoes, with inhabitants upholding ancient Christian traditions. Hike through the romantic surrounding valley.
Al-Bara
Nestled in wild natural beauty, the stone village of Al-Bara showcases Syrian rural architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, with an old mosque, church, houses and Roman tombs to discover.
Serjilla
Time stands still in this deserted Byzantine-era village of crumbling stone houses blending into the arid landscape. Climb through windows into ancient rooms and down underground tunnels for an atmospheric experience.
Museums
National Museum of Damascus
Founded in 1919, Syria’s national museum safeguards treasures spanning millennia. Highlights include one of the world’s oldest complete alphabets dating to 1050 BCE, a fascinating collection of Roman mosaics, plus Palmyrene funerary art.
Hama Archaeological Museum
In Hama, Syria’s fourth largest city, the archaeological museum exhibits spectacular Roman mosaics discovered in northern Syria alongside ceramics and funerary urns dating back to the Bronze Age.
Deir ez-Zor Museum
Focusing on findings from eastern Syria, this museum displays ancient statuary, funerary artifacts and tablets inscribed with some of the earliest alphabetic writing ever found. Wander through its ruins garden with monuments from Mari and Dura-Europos.
Conclusion
From the amazing ruins of ancient civilizations to the atmospheric Crusader castles and early Christian sites, Syria offers an abundance of historic treasures. Visiting these well-preserved ancient cities, temples, monasteries, mosques and museums is a rich journey unveiling its layers of history and culture spanning millennia. Syria’s wealth of historic sites provides a memorable window into the ancient wonders of the Middle East.
FAQs
What are some of the ancient cities to see in Syria?
Some of the top ancient cities to visit in Syria include Aleppo with its historic Old City, atmospheric Damascus which has been continuously inhabited for millennia, and the ancient ruins of Palmyra, an important Silk Road trading stop.
What are the best preserved Roman ruins in Syria?
Top Roman ruins to visit are Palmyra’s Temple of Bel, Amphitheatre, and the striking Colonnade. The Roman influence on architecture is also visible at sites like the ancient city of Bosra.
Where are the top Crusader castles located in Syria?
Two of the most impressive Crusader castles are Krak des Chevaliers, one of the world’s best preserved examples of Crusader-era military architecture, and Qalaat Salah Ed-Din, also known as Saladin’s Castle.
What are some of the early Christian heritage sites in Syria?
Key early Christian sites include the cliffside monasteries and villages like Maaloula and Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi, churches such as Mar Sarkis Monastery, and cathedrals like the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus.
What museums provide an overview of Syria’s ancienthistory?
Top museums to visit are the National Museum of Damascus, Hama Archaeological Museum focused on Roman mosaics, and Deir ez-Zor Museum which displays artifacts from eastern Syria.