Historical Sites in Syria

Syria is a treasure trove of historical wonders, where ancient civilizations come to life.
Each site tells a unique story of cultural richness. Every stone reflects a tapestry of
hestory making Syria a living museum of extraordinary heritage.

palmyra

Palmyra

Palmyra, known as the "Pearl of the Desert", is an acient city in Syria that thrived as a vitul trade hub between the East and West. It reflects a rich blend of cultures and history. Palmyra was a thriving city of the ancient world, whose impressive UNESCO-listed ruins are located in Syria. Originally known by the Semitic name of Tadmor meaning date palm which is now the name of the neighbouring modern town Palmyra was once a commercial hub along a busy trade route. References to Palmyra appear in the Bible as well as in other historical writings, some dating as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. However, it was from the 1st century BC that affluent caravan owners stopped there along the old Silk Road, contributing to its wealth.

Roman Theater

Ancient Bosra

The ruins of Ancient Bosra are among the most spectacular historic remains in Syria. Among the sites to see in Bosra is the incredible 2nd century AD Bosra Theatre along with a host of Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim structures. Today, a small city still remains alongside a huge array of fascinating archaeological sites. Chief among the ruins at Bosra is the 2nd century AD Roman theatre. Built under the Roman emperor Trajan, it would have originally held up to 15,000 people.

Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque

Also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, the Umayyad Mosque in Syria is not only one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, but is the fourth holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on top of a basilica to St John the Baptist after the Muslims took Damascus in 634 AD. A 6th century legend says the head of the saint lives somewhere within the mosque. If you cannot find the relic when visiting, you can certainly find the mausoleum of Saladin in a small garden beside the north wall.

Aleppo Citadel

Aleppo Citadel

Considered to be one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, Aleppo Citadel is a huge medieval fortified palace sat in the centre of the old city of Aleppo, northern Syria. People have utilised the citadel hill since the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. Occupied by many civilisations over time including the Armenians, Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids and Ottomans most of what stands today is thought to originate from the Ayyubid period.

Apamea

Apamea

Apamea is an ancient site in Syria which boasts a remarkable 1800 metres of dramatic Roman colonnades together with a range of other ruins. Said to have been one of the largest Seleucid cities and built in around the 4th century BC, Apamea flourished and thrived as commercial hub under the Romans with a population of some 117,000 people. Today, Apamea is an incredible site. Most of the remains are from the Roman period, yet there are also fascinating finds from the city's time under the Seleucids including ruins of its defences, much of which have been restored.