Syria Sites / best cities to visit in Syria 2023
November,22 2022
Syria is well renowned for its intact, breathtaking monuments spread throughout the country and its rich history that dates back to the first century BC. The country is home to the first alphanumeric writing system ever discovered, which was found at Ugarit city on the Syrian coast.
You will be astounded by how Syria continues to embrace both modernistic trends and the glory of the past, despite the brutal war it has endured, and it has become a popular travel destination for people who adore the outdoors, history, and busy cities where the present and past coexist.
There are numerous tourist and archaeological sites in Syria, spread across its different regions, from the Palmyra ruins in the middle of it to the Saydnaya Lady Monastery in the south.
Below, we have listed the six most popular tourist attractions that you should definitely not miss when visiting Syria.
Visit our tourist destinations programs and learn more about Syria's rich history.
Maaloula is a perfect religious tourist attraction for Christians from all over the world, especially since the locals still speak the language of Jesus there. It is steeply angled into the mountainside near Rif-Dimashq, where there are frequent pleasant breezes and a pleasant ambiance.
There are a number of monuments in Maaloula that date back to different historical periods, but those belonging to the Byzantine era are perhaps the most prominent.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Maaloula is the Monastery of Mar Sarkis, which was built over the site of an ancient Roman temple. It is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the East and a popular Christian pilgrimage destination.
A second ancient site is Mar Thekla Monastery, where, according to historical stories, St Thekla was buried to escape oppression due to her belief in the teachings of St Paul.
Along with everything else mentioned, the Aramaic language, which was the language of Jesus Christ, is what gives Maaloula its widespread fame. For those interested in learning old oriental languages, this is an appealing opportunity.
Palmyra is unquestionably your destination if you enjoy exploring deserted areas and learning about historic landmarks and ruins.
It is located 270 kilometers northeast of Damascus. In Palmyra, the earliest Roman ruins ever discovered were found. The most recent Syrian war damaged these magnificent monuments, but one could still sense their magnificence.
One of the city's most famous monuments is the Street of Columns, which stretches for 1.2 kilometers and leads to the Arc de Triomphe. In addition Palmyra has a theater dating back to the third century, a number of temples, including the Temple of Bel, which dates back to the first century.
This city is regarded as one of history's most famous cities that has maintained its originality despite adversity, and its impressive architecture has brought it recognition across the globe.
A similar city to Palmyra is Apamea, which is 60 km northwest of Hama and features a main street that is over 600 meters long and surrounded by Roman columns.
Krak des Chevaliers is believed to be one of the most exciting tourist destinations, its military archaeological architecture makes it perfect destination for enthusiasts of medieval wars.
There are several names attached to the castle, perhaps the most famous of which is "Al-Hosn Castle", but it didn't give up the other names it carried in the past, including "Al-Akrad Fort, Al-Maqal Castle, Al-Saffah, and Karak.".
Krak des Chevaliers has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the most significant Crusader archeological sites and the most famous medieval castles in the Middle East.
The fortress is located in Homs, in the middle of Syria, on a hill with a height of 650 meters and is characterized by strong walls and beautiful engineering. It has slots for projectiles and arrows, as well as a moat and a courtyard surrounded by columns, a number of halls, and a residence for the ruler.
Syria's southern region holds a special place in history due to the many archaeological sites and monuments that have been discovered there. Among its oldest and richest places is Bosra al-Sham, a major archaeological site of outstanding value to the history of art and thought.
It is located 140 km south of Damascus, and the most noticeable of its remains date back to Roman times. where its famous theater was built, which is considered one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, and which can accommodate more than 15,000 spectators
A major feature of the city is its Islamic monuments, perhaps most notably the mosque “Mubarak Al Naqa†which the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have reached on one of his commercial trips to the Levant, where his she-camel landed.
Additionally, in Bosra AL-Sham there are remains of Nabataean walls and the Roman triumphal arch since the third century, Roman baths dating back to the second century, Nabataean ponds and Nabataean temple founded in the first century AD.
In this richly historical area, the modern city blends with the ruins of the ancient city, where the past and the present coexist in a sight you can only see in Syria.
Norias, also called water wheels, have an ancient history dating back to the Byzantine era, although Hama residents believe they are older than that.
Hama is famous for the seventeen waterwheels that people from all over Syria come to witness their greatness. Some of the waterwheels still serve the city by distributing irrigation water into different areas.
The waterwheels formed a part of the historic heritage that demonstrates the creativity of the locals and their long history of overcoming natural difficulties. These mighty and magnificent machines played a significant role in the rural development of the Hama region.
The city is among the most famous cities with water-rising machines that are driven by the power of the water current. The Norias are distributed along the Orontes River. One of Hama's most famous waterwheels that is still in good condition today is Al Mamouria Noria, located near Al-Azm Palace. It dates back to 1453 AD and was constructed in 1361 with a diameter of 27 meters.
The oldest civilizations that ever existed in the Syrian territories were the Phoenicians and the Aramaeans, who left a significant influence on the lands. With our ongoing guidance, your vacation to Syria with SyriaLink will be carefully customized.
