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Syria

6

Reasons To
Visit Syria

  • Ancient Cities

    Damascus claims to be the longest continually inhabited place on earth, and this sense of history pervades the city. Aleppo is almost as ancient, dominated by her brooding Mamluke citadel, whilst further down the Euphrates Valley, Mari is one of only a handful of extant Mesopotamian cities.

    Ancient Cities

  • Ancient Ruins

    At times, it seems impossible to walk 500 yards in Syria without tripping over the remnants of one of the many ancient civilisations to have held sway in Syria. The country probably has one of the highest concentrations of historic monuments in the world and this is one of the major draws for most people.

    Ancient Ruins

  • Castles

    As you'd expect of a country on so many major trade and pilgrimage routes, the years of conquest and counter-conquest have left a rich tapestry of fortifications across the country. Crusader architecture in particular reached its zenith here and there are some superb examples to explore.

    Castles

  • Medinas

    The walled heart of all major towns and cities, the medina normally houses a number of attractions, from museums, mosques and monuments, to the souqs and traditional townhouses converted to boutique hotels and restaurants.

    Medinas

  • Museums

    The National Museums in Aleppo and Damascus should definitely feature in your plans. Not only are they home to many fantastic artefacts from across the country, but they also help put the whole of your visit to Syria into its historical context.

    Museums

  • Souqs & Shopping

    Syria's souqs are probably the most rewarding in the region, selling goods almost exclusively for the locals, manufactured in Syria, rather than cheap foreign imports. The atmosphere is always exotic and unthreatening, making shopping a real pleasure.

    Souqs & Shopping

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Visit Hama, Syria

Hama is the fourth biggest city in Syria after Damascus, Aleppo and Homs. It is roughly halfway between Aleppo and Damascus and an excellent base for visiting Crac des Chevaliers.

Waterwheels, Hama
Waterwheels, HamaNorias at Hama, Syria

Hama

Syria

Most visitors will end up spending a night in Hama, not least because it is roughly halfway between Aleppo and Damascus and an excellent base for visiting Crac des Chevaliers.

The city is the fourth biggest in the country after Damascus, Aleppo and Homs. Its history is colourful and long, and its geography is engaging; nurtured by the Orontes River, and not far from agricultural lands at the foot of the nearby mountains which grow the fruits which provide some of Hama's wonderful fresh juices.

Harnessing the river, massive wooden waterwheels, known as norias, creak and groan in pretty water parks, and are the main attraction for the passing traveller.

Crac des Chevaliers

Crac des Chevaliers represents the zenith of crusader military architecture. Occupying a bluff overlooking a strategic pass between the coast and the interior, it was first fortified by the Emir of Homs in the early 11th century.

Captured by the crusaders, it was handed over to the Knights Hospitaller, one of the military orders, in 1144 and it was they who constructed the massive curtain walls that seem to be extensions of the sheer cliffs on which they were built.

Wandering around the site, you appreciate the skill with which the Hospitallers shaped their fortress around the natural slopes and cliffs, as well as marvelling at the incongruous beauty of vaulted passageways and admiring the dramatic views.

Further reading:
SyriaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout SyriaCountry Guides

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonLibyaMoroccoOmanTunisia

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