There are few places on earth that have witnessed as much of human history as Syria.
Sumerians, Akkadians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Nabateans, Roman, Byzantine, Arabs, Ottomans, and more have all made their mark on this ancient land.
Roman armies conquered it. Christianity and Islam spread. Crusaders watched over it. Modern armies fought over it.
It’s no wonder that Syria is littered with ancient treasures that have marked our collective history and been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Keep reading to discover more about these amazing sites!
Table of Contents
1. Ancient City of Damascus
Year of inscription: 1979
Damascus is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It’s estimated that people have been living here for over 5,000 years.
The city is laid out in a grid-pattern, evidence of urban planning dating back to Roman times. While Damascus is home to many important sites and exquisite architecture, foremost among these is the Umayyad Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam and masterpiece of Umayyad architecture.
Other notable sites within the city’s old town are the Ananais Church, the Citadel, and the Azem Palace.
Travel tip: Staying in Damascus? Aim to stay in the Old City. There are lots of boutique hotels that are converted from old Damascene houses. I recommend Hotel Via Recta.
Looking for the best things to do in Damascus? Check out my article here!
2. Ancient City of Bosra
Year of inscription: 1980
Bosra had been an important city in days past. It was one of the principal cities of the Nabatean kingdom before becoming capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea. People continued to live among the black basalt stones until the Syrian Civil War; the site is now like an open-air museum.
The ancient city is littered with various landmarks, but the crown jewel is the remarkable well-preserved Roman theatre. With a seating capacity of 17,000, it is one of the largest Roman theatres still in existence.
Travel tip: Bosra is an easy day trip from Damascus.
3. Site of Palmyra
Year of inscription: 1980
Thanks to its critical location on the caravan route linking the Roman Empire with the east, the oasis of Palmyra grew into a grand and wealthy city. Being at the crossroads of several civilizations, it developed its own distinct culture that blended Greco-Roman, Persian, and local elements.
Palmyra’s fortunes declined over the centuries. The ancient city suffered extensive damage during the Syrian Civil War when ISIS destroyed many buildings and looted artifacts. Nevertheless, the ruins remain impressive and imposing; it’s not difficult to see why it is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Desert.”
Travel tip: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, aim to explore Palmyra early or late in the day. It’s too brutally hot in the middle of the day.
4. Ancient City of Aleppo
Year of inscription: 1986
Aleppo, like Damascus, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Several civilizations have left their mark on the city, evidence of which can still be seen today.
Highlights of the Aleppo’s old city are: the Citadel of Aleppo, a medieval fortification that dominates the city’s skyline; the Al-Madina Souq, the world’s largest covered historic market; and the Great Mosque of Aleppo, one of the oldest and largest in the city.
Travel tip: While you’re in Aleppo, don’t forget to visit the Jbaili Soap Factory, which has been making soap the same way for 800 years. The soap-making process itself is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
5. Krak des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
Year of inscription: 2006
Krak des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din are two fortifications from the Crusader period. Blending Eastern and Western influences and recording the transformation of defensive architecture, they are among the most outstanding representations of their kind.
Krak des Chevaliers was built mainly by the Crusaders, with some additions by the Mamluks, and has been described as “perhaps the best-preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world.” Qal’at Salah El-Din, also known as Sahyun Castle or Saladin’s Castle, was captured by Saladin from the Crusaders and now lies partially in ruins.
Travel tip: The castles are a couple of hours away by car from each other. If you have to choose to visit only one, I would pick Krak des Chevaliers.
6. Ancient Villages of Northern Syria
Year of inscription: 2011
Hundreds of Byzantine villages sprung up in northwestern Syria between the 1st and 7th centuries. They became prosperous due to the export of wine and olive oil, which were produced locally and whose trade flourished during this period.
The villages were completely abandoned after the 10th century. Rediscovered in the mid-19th century, they are known as the “Dead Cities” and have been left relatively undisturbed for the past thousand years. Today, you can visit the crumbling remains of churches, houses, and other stone buildings in the quiet of the Syrian landscape.
Travel tip: You’re unlikely to visit all 700 of the Dead Cities (more power to you if you are!). The best options to visit are Serjilla, the Church of Simeon Stylites, and Bara.
Interested in visiting Syria? Check out what you need to know in my guide here!
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