The Old City of Damascus

Damascus, claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital on earth, holds at its heart an ancient walled Old City that is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure of the Islamic and classical worlds. Within its Roman-founded walls wind atmospheric covered souks, above all the grand Souk al-Hamidiyah, leading to the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and greatest mosques in the world, resplendent with golden mosaics. Around it spread a labyrinth of narrow lanes, hidden courtyard houses with fountains and citrus trees, old caravanserais, churches, hammams and shrines. Steeped in millennia of history, the Old City of Damascus is a place of extraordinary depth and atmosphere.

What you actually see

• The Umayyad Mosque - the great ancient mosque of golden mosaics.
• Souk al-Hamidiyah - the grand covered market street.
• The courtyard houses - the hidden homes with fountains and trees.
• The old lanes - the labyrinth of caravanserais, churches and shrines.

When to go

Spring and autumn, roughly March to May and September to November, are the most pleasant for wandering the souks, courtyards and lanes in mild weather; summer is hot and winter can be cool and wet. The covered souks offer welcome shade and atmosphere whatever the season.

Honest expectations

Damascus has passed through difficult recent years, and while the historic Old City largely endures, some restoration and everyday practicalities reflect a place recovering, so a local guide helps greatly. As one of the oldest cities on earth, a living UNESCO World Heritage warren of souks, courtyard houses and the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, though, the Old City of Damascus is a treasure of extraordinary depth.

Nearby

The Straight Street, the old city walls and the surrounding quarters lie within reach.