Damascus
Damascus is one of the most colourful, intriguing, and delightful cities in the Middle East. In 2008 it was named Arab City of Culture by UNESCO. The narrow and maze-like lanes of the completely intact Old City are a joy to discover on foot, as are the wonderfully authentic covered souqs where everything from household goods to gold and exotic spices are on offer. The city is extraordinarily rich in cultural monuments, it also has umpteen atmospheric cafés, and excellent restaurants offering top of the range Middle Eastern cusine. Should shopping for locally made handicrafts be your passion this is a pastime that can be indulged to the hilt. The city’s most outstanding monument is the Umayyad Mosque. Constructed in the 8th century A.D., the building in situated in the courtyard of a Roman temple and contains a stunning array of gold and coloured mosaics together with some exquisitely decorated interiors. Nearby is the Tomb of Saladin, and the beautiful Azam Palace. Built in 18th century by the Ottoman governor of Damascus, the building is a classic example of a late Islamic palace with wide open courtyards, pools, running water and leafy trees. Some of the city’s best handicraft shops can be found in the vicinity of the biblical Street Called Straight. Here is also to be found the Church of St Ananias, located near the supposed house of Ananias where St Paul sought refuge. One could spend hours happily walking through the ancient maze of streets that comprise the quiet Christian quarter, or delving into the bustling and lively souqs, such as Hamidiya, and discovering peaceful ancient caravanseris like the Khan Asad Pasha. Outside the Old City the National Museum is a repository for many treasures including the synagogue from Dura Europos, underground tombs from Palmyra, and an entire room from a beautiful old Damascene house. A minimum of one full day should be allocated to visiting Damascus, preferably two.
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