Sights of syria ancient monuments palaces mosques. Beautiful places in Syria. Railway Museum in Damascus

The Syrian Arab Republic is a state in the Middle East, bordering Lebanon and Israel in the southwest, Jordan in the south, Iraq in the east and Turkey in the north. It is washed by the Mediterranean Sea in the west.

The population of Syria is 20.2 million people (as of 2009). More than half of the Syrians are Sunnis, but there are significant communities of Twelver Shiites, Nizari Ismailis and Alawites (16%), different denominations of Christianity (10%) and Ismailis in the country. The official language is Arabic. Since 1963, the republic has been under the control of the Baath Party. The modern statehood of Syria is a little over 60 years old, but civilization originated here as early as the fourth millennium BC. The capital is Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. According to Baedeker, Damascus is the oldest capital in the world today.

The history of Syrian civilization dates back at least to the fourth millennium BC. e. Archaeologists have proved that Syria was the cradle of most of the ancient civilizations of the world. Already in 2400-2500 BC. e. the huge Semitic empire with its center in Ebla stretched from the Red Sea to Transcaucasia. The language of Ebla is considered the oldest in the family of Semitic languages. In the Ebla library, discovered in 1975, more than 17,000 clay tablets were found, dedicated to crafts, agriculture and art. Among the leading crafts of Ebla are the processing of wood, ivory, pearls. In Syria, these industries are still flourishing. Other famous cities of the era include Mari, Ugarit and Dura-Europos.

Roman theater in BosraIn the XXIII century BC. e. the empire was conquered by Akkad, and the capital was completely destroyed. Then, the Canaanite tribes invaded the territory of Syria, forming many small states. During the period between the invasion of the Canaanite tribes and the conquest of Syria in 64 BC. e. The Roman Empire, its territory was successively ruled by the Babylonians, Hyksos, Hittites, Egyptians, Jews, Arameans, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Armenians. From the 16th century BC e. in the south of Syria there is the city of Damascus, originally subordinate to the Egyptian pharaohs. Syria occupies an important place in the history of Christianity - according to the Bible, Paul adopted the Christian faith on the road to Damascus, and then lived in Antioch, where the disciples of Christ first began to be called Christians.

The ancient land of Syria keeps a huge number of historical and cultural monuments. Phenicia, Assyria, Mesopotamia, the Hittite Empire, Rome, Persia, Egypt, Babylon, the Kingdom of Damascus, Byzantium and the Arab Caliphate ruled this land, and each empire left architectural traces of its power here. The phalanxes of Alexander the Great marched across this land and the famous cavalry of Saladdin swept past, armies of various conquerors clashed here - from the crusaders to the hordes of Tamerlane.

Damascus

Damascus is the capital of Syria. One of the oldest cities in the world. The first mentions date back to 2500 BC. e. It is located in the lower reaches of the Barada River, where it divides into seven branches. The medieval Arab historian Ibn Asakir (XII century) argued that the first wall erected after the Flood was the Damascus Wall, and attributed the emergence of the city to the 4th millennium BC. e. There is also an opinion that the city was founded even earlier - by Adam and Eve.

The first historical information about Damascus dates back to the 15th century. BC e., when the city was under the rule of the Egyptian pharaohs. It was also part of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian kingdom, Persia and the empire of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic kingdom of the Seleucids that followed his death.

In 85 BC. e. Damascus was captured by the Nabataeans, and in 64 BC. e. the Roman general Gnaeus Pompey annexed it to the Roman Empire. It housed the headquarters of the Roman legions that fought against the Persians. A native of the city in this era 64 BC. e. Nicholas of Damascus was a Greek historian and Peripatetic philosopher. In 395 the city became part of Byzantium.

The first Christians appeared in Damascus already in the 1st century. after the visit of the Apostle Paul. From 661 to 762, Damascus was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, stretching from the Indus to the Pyrenees. Later, the city was under the rule of the Egyptian dynasties, and in 1076 became part of the state of the Seljuk Turks.

The crusaders, three times (1125, 1129, 1148, the last during the Second Crusade) unsuccessfully tried to capture Damascus. In 1154, Damascus was taken by the troops of Nur ad-din Zengid. In 1260, Egyptian Mamluks seized power in Damascus. The period of their reign was marked by the flourishing of art and craft. Damascus steel and Damascus glass were exported to Europe.

In 1300 Damascus was sacked by the Mongols. They carried out such a massacre that, according to the Arab historian al-Maqrizi, "blood flowed like a river through the streets." In 1400, Tamerlane destroyed the city to the ground. The best gunsmiths and artisans were taken into slavery in Samarkand. When in 1516 Damascus was occupied by the troops of the Turkish Sultan Selim, the city was still half in ruins.

In the Ottoman Empire, Damascus became one of the provincial centers known only as a transit point for pilgrims going on the Hajj to Mecca. In 1833, Mehmed-Ali, having taken possession of Syria, temporarily subjugated Damascus, but the Sultan's European allies returned it together with Syria to Turkey (1840). From July 9 to July 16, 1860, Damascus witnessed a terrible massacre of Christians by the Druze. From 1920 to 1943, Damascus was the administrative center of the mandated territory of Syria, subordinate to France, and after the declaration of independence of Syria in 1943, it became its capital.

Damascus is one of the most ancient cities in the world and the oldest of the "acting" capitals of the planet (first mentioned in the chronicles of the 15th century BC). Originating at the crossroads of caravan routes, Damascus has always been considered the trade capital of the eastern Mediterranean. For many centuries, this city has attracted representatives of different cultures and peoples. For many hundreds of years, the glory of Damascus craftsmen and rumors about the untold riches of its markets attracted more and more merchants here, to the fertile valley of the Barada River and the Guta oasis. It is here, according to legend, that Cain killed Abel, the legendary biblical king Nimrod is buried here, the temple of Jupiter of Damascus stood here, and the Apostle Paul converted to Christianity here.

The "Old City" of Damascus, surrounded by a Roman wall and preserved in many places the pre-antique layout, is considered a unique object, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ancient quarters and Via Pekta (“Straight Street”), the Umayyad Mosque (VIII century, the largest mosque in the world) with unique mosaics, the mausoleum of Salah ad-Din (1193), in which the remains of the legendary sultan, who began exile, are of interest here crusaders from the East, the residence of the Turkish Wali - the Qasr al-Azem Palace (1749, now the Museum of Art and Folk Traditions is located here), the cancer of St. John the Baptist (the head of the saint is kept here), the Cathedral of the Antioch Orthodox Church - the Temple of the Virgin, underground the Church of St. Ananias (the Apostle Paul was baptized here), the tower of Bab-Kisan, the Taqiya al-Suleimania Mosque (1554, considered one of the most beautiful in the Arab world), numerous medieval madrasahs and markets, including the famous Suk-al -Hamidiyya with the Khan Asaad Pasha caravanserai and the largest spice market Bzuria.

Extremely interesting are Seyida-Zeynab (the tomb of the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, the daughter of Caliph Ali), Seyyid-Rukiya (the tomb of the granddaughter of Caliph Ali, the daughter of Hussein), the Bab as-Sagyr cemetery, where many historical figures are buried (Bilal the Abyssinian - an associate of the Prophet Muhammad and the first the muezzin of Islam, the famous scientist al-Farabi, etc.), the cave of Magarat ad-Damm (it was in it that Cain killed his brother) on the slopes of Mount Qasyun, the burial sarcophagus of Abel, etc.

The city has many museums, both private and public, among which the National Museum stands out, famous for its collection of unique exhibits of ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Phoenicia, a collection of the first samples of writing, a collection of provincial ancient art, a famous collection of weapons, and a reconstruction of the Dura-Europos synagogue ( III century) with the only frescoes for its time on the theme of Old Testament legends, as well as a luxurious ethnographic collection. The Military Museum in Damascus is famous for one of the richest collections of ancient and medieval weapons in the world. Bimaristan - a hospital and medical academy of medieval Damascus, now - a museum of the history of medicine with rare exhibits.

In the vicinity of the capital, there are such famous resort places as Zabadani, Bludan, Madaya, Bukeyn, etc. But the main attractions in the vicinity of Damascus are the Orthodox monastery of the Sednai Mother of God in the town of the same name (22 km from Damascus) at an altitude of 1,450 m above the level sea, with the famous miraculous icon painted according to legend by St. Luke himself, as well as the town of Maalula with the convent of St. Thekla and the church of St. Sergius or Mar-Sarkis. Maalula and 2 surrounding villages are the only place in the world where they still speak the language of Jesus Christ - the Western Aramaic dialect. 160 km. north of Damascus lies Homs, famous for the mosque of Ibn al-Walid with two minarets and the tomb of this legendary Arab commander, the mosque of Nuri (XII century), the church of Kanis umm-Zunnar ("Girdles of the Mother of God", I century AD e. ) and the Basilica of St. Eliana (VIII century AD), famous for its frescoes.

120 km. south of Damascus lies Bosra, the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, built almost entirely of black basalt. The main attraction of the city is one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world. The theater is unusual in that in the 5th century it was fortified and turned into a citadel - 9 towers were built around the building and a deep moat. In the citadel you can still see the magnificent theater, designed for 15 thousand seats. Also preserved are the nymphaeum, the Nabataean gates, the triumphal arch, many medieval buildings, one of the oldest mosques in the world (in 634 Bosra became the first city in Syria to convert to Islam) and a monastery (4th century). In 1980, Bosra was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sights of other cities in Syria

Aleppo (Aleppo) is the second largest city in Syria and one of the oldest settlements on the planet, with a history of more than 5 millennia. Located 360 km. north of Damascus, this ancient center of the Great Silk Road is predominantly Christian and famous for its historical monuments. Of interest are the colorful old districts of Jade and Tayba with dozens of medieval houses, caravanserais (Jumruk, Vazir, Sabun, etc.), old schools, churches, mosques, hamam baths, many of which date back to the 15th century, as well as old covered markets, which are rightfully considered one of the main attractions of the city (they stretch for 12 km in a continuous series).

You should definitely visit the Citadel of Aleppo (XII century), built on the site of the ancient acropolis, which is the best example of medieval Arab fortification art, the al-Jami al-Kabir mosque ("Great Mosque", 1090 century), the Jami-Kykan mosque (XIII century BC). , a stone block with Hittite inscriptions, which was built into its wall, at one time served as a key in deciphering the Hittite language), as well as the Kalb-Lavzi church. The Aleppo Archaeological Museum is famous for exhibits from the excavations of the ancient Mesopotamian cities of Mari, Ebla and Ugarit, as well as a large number of sculptures and bas-reliefs that once adorned the portal of the royal palace in Aramaic Guzan. The Museum of Popular Art and Traditions has a good ethnographic exposition. The old city of Aleppo in 1986 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Around Aleppo, over a hundred settlements (Sarjilla, Al-Bara, Rueikha, Barad, Shensherakh, Bshilla, Jerada, Bakirkha, Babiska, Kokanaya, Maez, etc.) dating back to the 4th-6th centuries have survived in a small area, some of which are located in such good condition that it seems as if the owners left them quite recently - residential buildings, basilicas, farms, monasteries, watchtowers, tombs, public buildings, oil presses, etc. are almost intact. Dozens of palaces from different eras scattered across desert areas are interesting around Aleppo, Kalat Samaan Church (St. Simeon the Stylite, 490 AD) 40 km. west of the city, as well as the ancient dam in Harbak - a majestic structure, one of the few examples of ancient irrigation systems that have survived in the world. Between Aleppo and Damascus lies one of the most attractive cities in the country - Hama, famous for its huge wooden water-lifting wheels "norias" with a diameter of up to 20 m - the oldest mechanisms that still serve people. Also of interest here are the mosques of al-Jami al-Kabir, Abu al-Fida and al-Nuri (XII century) and the Azem Palace (XVIII century) with a museum. 55 km. northwest of Hama lie the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Apamea (founded by the first monarch of the Seleucid dynasty in 300 BC).

40 km. south of Aleppo lie the ruins of the capital of the state of the II millennium BC - Ebla (Tel Mardikh). The once colossal city is now being intensively explored by archaeologists, who have already opened the palace library to the world, containing over 17 thousand clay tablets (including the earliest dictionary known to date). Palmyra (Tadmor) - "rival of Rome in the East", the capital of the ancient state, located in the heart of the Syrian desert, 210 km. from the capital of the country - one of the most impressive dead cities of the ancient period. The first mention of the "bride of the desert", as the city was often called, is found on clay tablets of the 20th century. BC e., and from the III century. BC e. the city becomes one of the largest centers of trade routes linking east and west.

Today, here, on an area of ​​​​6 square meters. km., there is a colossal archaeological site that includes the Bela (Baal) temple complex surrounded by a high wall, a large Colonnade across the main street, decorated with inscriptions glorifying the legendary queen Zenobia, baths, a market square, the Senate, a theater and other public buildings of the Greek period, a fortified Roman camp with a praetorium and a triumphal arch, the ruins of ancient residential buildings with large mosaic panels, a valley of tombs with unique "multi-layer burials" of the Hypogeum and several dozen burial towers. And this is only a tiny part of the ancient structures hidden under the sands of the desert for the most part. Also noteworthy are the Palmyra Museum with an archaeological collection and a model of the Temple of Bel, as well as the ruins of the Arab watch fortress Kalat ibn Maan (XVII century). The whole of Palmyra in 1980 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

160 km. north of Palmyra lies Rasafa (ancient Sergiopolis). The walled dead city in the desert is known as the place where St. Sergius was executed and buried. The territory of the city is almost untouched by excavations, but you can see the well-preserved ancient walls, part of the streets and large buildings, including the partially restored St. Sergius Basilica, the Rasafa Palace and the ruins of the Mar-Sarkis Church.

Kanavat (ancient Kanaf) is known for its ruins of the 6th century basilicas, rebuilt from the ancient temples of Helios (2nd century) and a small temple of the 2nd century in the vicinity. Mari (Tel Hariri) is the capital of the ancient Mesopotamian state that existed on the banks of the Euphrates in the 4th millennium BC. e. The remains of a ziggurat, a colossal royal palace, outbuildings, etc. have been preserved.

In Syria, there is a huge number of perfectly preserved castles of the XII-XIII centuries, built by the crusaders to ensure their power in the Middle East.

Krak des Chevaliers (Kalaat al-Hosn, 1150-1250) is a castle included in all anthologies, at one time serving as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of the Hospitallers. Located on a high hill in the Bukei valley (65 km west of Homs), the castle is considered an example of a variety of fortifications, the originality of the construction of defensive structures, and given its huge size (the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe structure is about 3 thousand square meters) - and the most formidable structure that time. The outer wall 5 meters thick with 13 towers is separated from the inner wall and the donjon by a moat filled with water, and the garrison could be up to 5 thousand people. Tartus (medieval Tortosa, 10th century) - a partially preserved huge citadel - the last stronghold of the Knights Templar in the Holy Land. The remains of the city of the Crusaders and the Cathedral of the Mother of God of Tartu are preserved here - a unique example of a fortified temple, one of the first structures of this type in the Gothic style. 3 km. from it lies Arvad - a picturesque island (the only one in Syria), where the crusaders held out the longest, as the fortress towering over it reminds of.

The citadel of Kalaat Salah ad-Din (Castle of Saon XII century) is one of the most impressive castles of the Crusaders, which was considered impregnable. This is the only example of a castle in the world, entirely carved from a rock monolith. And yet, the castle was taken by the legendary Sultan Salah ad-Din (Saladdin) in just three days.

The huge black basalt citadel of al-Markab (medieval Margat) towers over the ancient Phoenician seaport of Banyas, 6 km away. southeast of the modern city. This huge building with 14 towers surrounds the top of the hill, rising 500 meters above sea level, was the last stronghold of the Crusaders on the Syrian coast. Also of interest are the Arab citadel of Kalat-Misaf (XII century), surrounded by gardens, rising in the resort town of the same name, Le Blanc Castle in Safit, as well as the castles of Areima, Bakas, Barzi, Yamur, Abu-Kbeis, Manika, Mudig, al-Kaf , Ibn Maan, Burj al-Sabi, Najim, Rahba and Cadmus.

In the vicinity of the fourth largest city in Syria and the main seaport - Latakia, is the country's main seaside resort Shatt al-Azraq (Cote d'Azur). 16 km. north of Latakia is Ugarit (Ras Shamra) - the remains of the Phoenician city-state, a major port that flourished in the 16th-13th centuries. BC e., and is the birthplace of the first alphabet in the history of mankind. The ruins of numerous palaces, port facilities, temples and elements of urban development have been preserved.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/

The eastern state, which borders Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and Lebanon, is the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria). countries have thousands of years of history. On this land there are many historical, architectural monuments left over from different civilizations. They have always attracted tourists from all over the world.

More recently, this country, which preserves ancient shrines, was visited by numerous pilgrims. But at the moment, this land is engulfed in the flames of a bloody war. Perhaps someone will say that now is not the time to talk about the sights of this region when its long-suffering people are dying or leaving their homeland. But we decided to tell you about them in the hope that it will end soon and tourists from all over the world will come to see how beautiful Syria is. Its sights are unique, many are under the protection of UNESCO. We will introduce you to some of them.

Damascus

A city that Syria is rightfully proud of. We will begin to study the sights of the country from Damascus, the capital of the Syrian Republic. The city is located on the banks of the Barada River. Historians believe that this is one of the first mentions of it date back to 2500 BC.

Its main attractions include the city walls, which have seven gates leading to the Old City, and several more gates beyond. In addition, this, of course, is the largest Umayyad mosque in the country, numerous tombs and tombs, Salah ad-Din (mausoleum), the ruins of the temple of Jupiter, the city cathedral, the chapel of St. Paul, the Azem Palace, the most ancient madrasahs. Many temples keep the relics and ashes of saints, sacred relics, which are very dear to Syria. The sights of the city are its parks. The largest in the capital is Tishrin Park, in addition, you can take a walk along the shady alleys of Al-Sibbka, Aljahiz and others. Local markets always attract guests. The most famous of them are Bzuria and Souq al-Hamidiyya.

Krak des Chevaliers

Syria is famous all over the world for many historical buildings. Its sights, for example, such as this fortress, are considered to be monuments of international importance. That is why Krak des Chevaliers is included in the UNESCO list.

This is the former residence of the Hospitallers, which was built on a high hill. The thickness of its outer walls is five meters. For protection, thirteen towers were built and, in addition, an inner wall separated by a moat. Up to five thousand people could be here at the same time.

In ancient times it was a formidable and reliable fortress, and today it is considered to be one of the most romantic castles. From the height of its walls you can admire the picturesque views. There is a cafe in one of the towers.

Qasr-ibn-Wardan

Syria attracts many historians and researchers. Sights, the description of which is found in ancient documents, make it possible to judge how luxurious many of them were. Among them is this palace complex.

It is located in the desert, near the city of Hama. Today it is ruins. Partially preserved are only the central courtyard, part of the stables, the facade of the palace and a small part of it, public baths, as well as a church with a nave. The complex was built in the 6th century as a defensive structure. Marble and basalt were used for its construction. You can understand the purpose of each building by the images that are carved on the stones.

Umayyad Mosque

Several cities in the USA are named after him, and sometimes our St. Petersburg is also called Northern Palmyra. The local attractions include the ruins of ancient structures: the Bela temple complex, which is surrounded by a high wall, a trading square, a colonnade, a theater, baths, residential buildings, a triumphal arch, the Palmyra tariff (stele) and much more.

Archaeological excavations began on the territory of Palmyra only in the 19th century and they continue to this day. In addition to the picturesque ruins, there is a small residential settlement and a museum within the city limits. All buildings of Palmyra are under the protection of UNESCO.

Azem Palace

If you are interested in Syria (attractions), you should definitely see Azem Palace. This is one of the impressive secular structures dating back to the period of Turkish domination. The complex harmoniously combines Arabic and Turkish architectural elements.

This palace allows you to look into the past. As required by Islamic customs, from the outside the building seems modest and rather simple. A tall, gray, completely undecorated clay wall surrounds a huge (5,500 sq. m) square in the central part of the Old City, not far from the Umayyad Mosque. But as soon as the visitor passes through the gate, a completely different world opens up before him, full of abundance, beauty, luxury.

The courtyard, paved with marble slabs, has large flower beds, which are regularly maintained, and citrus trees are also planted here. They give shade, and fountains give such a welcome coolness in summer. On three sides, the courtyard is surrounded by a covered colonnade, from which you can go to the numerous rooms of the luxurious palace.

History of the palace

This grandiose building was erected by the governor of the Turkish Sultan in the 18th century. For its construction, jewels from the houses of the local nobility were bought, and sometimes simply confiscated. Anyone who is lucky enough to see this palace will understand that the position of the governor in the old days was very profitable. This is probably why 130 governors have changed in Damascus in 180 years.

Excursions

The museum offers interesting and instructive tours. In one of the rooms, such a scene is reproduced. On a soft low sofa, inaccessible and proud, the pasha sits. His head is decorated with a red fez. At a respectful distance from him, clerks and viziers settled down, awaiting orders. And all this is complemented by a magnificent design - the walls are lined with marble, the ceilings are two stories high... Even in the summer heat, the room is cool. In numerous niches and on consoles, there are expensive faience dishes, fine porcelain and glassware.

In the next room you can see the scene of the bride preparing for the wedding. This room is also luxurious: inlaid furniture made by famous Syrian carpenters, a lot of beautiful dishes, carpets, expensive lamps...

Hamam Nureddin Shahir

Syria is of great interest to many tourists from different countries. Attractions (Hamam Nureddin al Shahir - the most famous in Damascus) are represented not only by museums, temples and palaces, but also by baths. We will tell about one of them further.

The object is located in the old city, not far from the Al Hamidiyah market. This hamam, which is almost a thousand years old, is still very popular today. More than ten attendants work here. The name "hamam" comes from the Arabic word "ham" - "heat". The Arabs borrowed the idea of ​​a hamam from the Romans, and much later passed it on to the Turks.

Hamam Nureddin Shahir is open until 24:00. But the best time to visit it is in the morning. According to experts, the steam at this time of day is fresh, there is enough space, and the attendants are cheerful and work with full dedication. Women can visit the hammam only on Friday - a Muslim day off.

Zakharia Madrasah

Syria makes a huge and vivid impression on tourists (attractions). Zakharia Madrasah is a mausoleum located in the capital of the country. Here rests one of the most famous sultans, who bravely fought in Palestine. His name is Baybars. Many are sure that he is buried in Cairo, but this is an erroneous statement. There is also an archive and a school on the territory of the mausoleum. The building has recently been restored. Mosaics and drawings were restored on the walls. The archive of the mausoleum contains a huge collection of rare books (more than 200 thousand). The building was erected in 1266.

Damascus- one of the most ancient cities in the world and the oldest of the "acting" capitals of the planet (first mentioned in the chronicles of the 15th century BC). Originating at the crossroads of caravan routes, Damascus has always been considered the trade capital of the eastern Mediterranean.

120 km south of Damascus lies Bosra- the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, almost entirely built of black basalt. The main attraction of the city is one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world.

Theater unusual in that in the 5th century it was fortified and turned into a citadel - 9 towers were built around the building and a deep moat. In the citadel you can still see the magnificent theater, designed for 15 thousand seats. Also preserved are the nymphaeum, the Nabataean gates, the triumphal arch, many medieval buildings, one of the oldest mosques in the world (in 634 Bosra became the first city in Syria to convert to Islam) and a monastery (4th century). In 1980, Bosra was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Aleppo (Aleppo)- the second largest city in Syria and one of the oldest settlements on the planet, whose history goes back more than 5 millennia. Located 360 km north of Damascus, this ancient center of the Great Silk Road is predominantly populated by Christians and is famous for its historical monuments.

Between Aleppo and Damascus lies one of the most attractive cities in the country - Hama, famous for its huge wooden water-lifting wheels "norias" with a diameter of up to 20 m - the oldest mechanisms that still serve people. Also of interest here are the mosques of al-Jami al-Kabir, Abu al-Fida and al-Nuri (XII century) and the Azem Palace (XVIII century) with a museum. 55 km northwest of Hama lie the vast ruins of the ancient city of Apamea (founded by the first monarch of the Seleucid dynasty in 300 BC).

40 km south of Aleppo lie the ruins of the capital of the state of the II millennium BC - Ebla(Tel Mardikh). The once colossal city is now being intensively explored by archaeologists, who have already opened the palace library to the world, containing over 17 thousand clay tablets (including the earliest dictionary known to date).

Palmyra (Tadmor)- "rival of Rome in the East", the capital of the ancient state, located in the heart of the Syrian desert, 210 km from the country's capital - one of the most impressive dead cities of the ancient period. Palmyra in 1980 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

160 km north of Palmyra lies Rasafa(ancient Sergiopolis). The walled dead city in the desert is known as the place where St. Sergius was executed and buried. The territory of the city is almost untouched by excavations, but you can see the well-preserved ancient walls, part of the streets and large buildings, including the partially restored St. Sergius Basilica, the Rasafa Palace and the ruins of the Mar-Sarkis Church.

Kanavat(ancient Kanaf) is known for its ruins of the 6th century basilicas, rebuilt from the ancient temples of Helios (II century) and a small temple of the 2nd century in the vicinity. Mari (Tel Hariri) is the capital of the ancient Mesopotamian state that existed on the banks of the Euphrates in the 4th millennium BC. e. The remains of a ziggurat, a colossal royal palace, outbuildings, etc. have been preserved.

In Syria, there is a huge number of perfectly preserved castles of the XII-XIII centuries, built by the crusaders to ensure their power in the Middle East.

Krak des Chevaliers(Kalaat al-Hosn, 1150-1250) - a castle that is included in all anthologies, at one time served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of the Hospitallers. Located on a high hill in the Bukei valley (65 km west of Homs), the castle is considered an example of a variety of fortifications, the originality of the construction of defensive structures, and given its huge size (the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe structure is about 3 thousand square meters) - and the most formidable structure of that time. The outer wall 5 meters thick with 13 towers is separated from the inner wall and the donjon by a moat filled with water, and the garrison could be up to 5 thousand people.

Tartus(medieval Tortosa, X century) - a partially preserved huge citadel - the last stronghold of the Knights Templar in the Holy Land. The remains of the city of the Crusaders and the Cathedral of the Mother of God of Tartu are preserved here - a unique example of a fortified temple, one of the first structures of this type in the Gothic style. 3 km from it lies Arvad - a picturesque island (the only one in Syria), where the Crusaders held out the longest, as the fortress towering over it reminds of.

Citadel of Qalaat Salah ad-Din(Castle of Saon XII c) - one of the most impressive castles of the crusaders, considered impregnable. This is the only example of a castle in the world, entirely carved from a rock monolith. And yet, the castle was taken by the legendary Sultan Salah ad-Din (Saladdin) in just three days.

Huge citadel of black basalt al-Markab(medieval Margat) rises above the ancient Phoenician seaport of Banyas, 6 km. southeast of the modern city. This huge building with 14 towers surrounds the top of the hill, rising 500 meters above sea level, was the last stronghold of the Crusaders on the Syrian coast. Also of interest are the Arab citadel of Kalat-Misaf (XII century), surrounded by gardens, towering in the resort town of the same name, the Le Blanc castle in Safit, as well as the castles of Areima, Bakas, Barzi, Yamur, Abu-Kbeis, Manika, Mudig, al-Kahf, Ibn Maan, Burj al-Sabi, Najim, Rahba and Cadmus.

coastal summer resorts in Syria are quite a pleasant place to stay. Scattered on hills and mountains along the sea coast (more than 175 km), they boast clean air, cool weather in summer and moderately cool winters. The water off the coast is usually crystal clear, and the small number of stormy days makes it possible to recommend the local resorts to families with children and the elderly. The swimming season on the local shallow, and therefore well-warmed up waters and sandy beaches, lasts from May to November.

In the vicinity of the fourth largest city in Syria and the main seaport - Latakia, is the country's main seaside resort Shatt al-Azraq (Cote d'Azur). Ugarit (Ras Shamra) is located 16 km north of Latakia - the remains of the Phoenician city-state, a major port that flourished in the 16th-13th centuries. BC e., and is the birthplace of the first alphabet in the history of mankind. The ruins of numerous palaces, port facilities, temples and elements of urban development have been preserved.

Like everything in this country, the sights of Syria were created by various peoples who inhabited its lands for thousands and thousands of years. Not a single tourist can remain indifferent to the variety of wonderful touches of history that allows the traveler to make a kind of journey through time.

Multi-temporal sights of Syria

Historical monuments, archaeological exhibits, city architecture, variety of natural areas, all this can be designated without hesitation as sights of Syria. Geography, nature, numerous generational changes of various peoples all contributed to the development of the country, therefore Syria exactly as we see it now.

Things to Do in Syria

Tourists are invited to visit water parks with various water attractions, amusement parks, cafes, restaurants and others. The country hosts a wide variety of beautiful festivals, holidays, as well as religious ones.

You should definitely visit the Arab markets that play with all colors, stretching endlessly and resting on ancient ruins. Interesting places in Syria concentrated not only in cities, but also in natural landscapes History of Syria is very generous to tourists and offers them palaces, temples, mosques, fortresses, caves and other places worthy of attention.

Excursions in Syria

Holidays in this country are to a lesser extent associated with staying on the beach. Most of the time tourists are occupied. Even the laziest traveler cannot afford to visit Syria and not see ancient cities, ancient tombs, fortresses and monasteries, churches and mosques.

Monuments of Syria

On the territory of the state there are a large number of monuments of Christianity, among which I would like to note the "cave of the first blood" and the underground church of St. Ananias. Famous times of Islam are the Umayyad mosque and the palace of Kars Al-Azem in the capital, the fortress of Salah ad-Din and others.

Museums in Syria

In addition to the fact that the country is an open-air museum with exhibits that have a history of many thousands of years, in the state the National ones are located in Damascus and Aleppo. They contain real

A large number of unique monuments of various eras and cultures are concentrated on a relatively small territory of the country, which allows you to make a real journey through time within a few days.

Ancient history and antiquity.

Damascus is one of the most ancient cities in the world and the oldest of the "acting" capitals with a unique Old City, which in some places has preserved its pre-antique layout, and with the Hamidia market famous throughout the East and the largest Bzuria spice market. The Old Town is a unique monument of urban planning. On its territory there are several dozens of the most interesting cultural, historical and architectural structures, primarily the Basilica of St. Zacharias, later rebuilt into a mosque. In the former basilica there is a shrine of John the Baptist, where the head of the saint rests.

The ancient city of Bosra, the capital of the Roman province of Arabia. Perfectly preserved the largest theater in the Middle East. Monuments of the Nabatean culture. City streets and fortifications, triumphal arch.

Apamea is one of the largest cities left from ancient times with one of the longest main streets, decorated with a majestic colonnade.

Ain Dara - the ruins of an Aramaic city with the ruins of a temple, richly decorated with bas-reliefs with sculptures of lions and sphinxes.

Amrit is the only ruins of a Phoenician city in the world with a well-preserved temple and funerary obelisks.

Hosn Suleiman - a well-preserved complex of the Phoenician temple - the only one of the surviving such structures, except for Amrit.

The city of Shahba (the ruins of ancient Philippopolis) with a well-preserved theater and a temple with a museum of mosaics.

The city of Kanavat (ancient Kanaf) with the ruins of the temple of Helios and with a small provincial temple of the 2nd century in the vicinity.

Dura Europos - the ruins of an ancient city in the middle reaches of the Euphrates; well preserved walls with towers, part of the citadel, part of the streets and buildings.

Khalyabiya - the ruins of a city in the middle reaches of the Euphrates - one of the most distant fortified points of the Roman, and then the Byzantine empires.

Palmyra - the rival of Rome in the East, the capital of the ancient state, located in an oasis in the middle of the desert - one of the most impressive and interesting dead cities left from the ancient period. Bela temple complex, combining oriental and ancient traditions; unique bas-reliefs. The well-preserved temple of Baalshamin. Large Colonnade with inscriptions glorifying the legendary Queen Zenobia. Theater, market and other public buildings. Fortified Roman camp with a praetorium. Valley of Tombs with dozens of burial towers. Museum.

Hama is a unique city, famous for its huge water-lifting wheels - the oldest mechanisms that still serve.

Mari - the capital of the ancient Mesopotamian state, the remains of a ziggurat, the royal palace, outbuildings.

Ebla - the ruins of the capital of a trading Middle Eastern state contemporary with Akkad and Sumer.

Ugarit - the remains of the Phoenician city-state, which is the birthplace of the first alphabet in the history of mankind, with the ruins of palaces, temples and urban development.

Aleppo is the second largest city in Syria, one of the oldest settlements, whose name is associated with the life of Abraham. The Jami Kykan Mosque, during the construction of which a stone block with Hittite inscriptions was used to decipher the Hittite language.

The ancient dam in Harbak is a monumental structure that served to create an artificial lake in the desert.

Monuments of the history of Christianity.

Damascus: Places mentioned in the New Testament associated with the life of St. Paul the Apostle: Straight Street, the underground church of St. Ananias, the tower of Bab Kisan, from where the apostle fled from Damascus. The largest Byzantine basilica of St. Zacharias with frescoes of the Ravenna type; cancer of St. John the Baptist, where the head of the saint rests.

Maalula is a town located in a picturesque gorge, whose inhabitants still speak the eastern dialect of Aramaic, which was spoken by Jesus Christ. The first Christian monasteries. Monastery of St. Takla (Thekla). It arose around the tomb of St. Takla, a disciple of St. Paul, carved into the mountain, with a miraculous icon of the saint. Monastery of St. Sergius (IV century), in the temple of which there are two oldest Christian altars on Earth. Seidnai Monastery of the Mother of God - founded by Emperor Justinian in the 4th century. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God, painted during her lifetime by St. Luke the Evangelist, is kept in the chapel of the monastery. Kalaat Semaan - the monastery of St. Simeon the Stylite (5th century), the most impressive monument of early Byzantine architecture, the main part of which is a huge temple of four basilicas, placed in a cross around the column on which St. Simeon spent 37 years of his life.

Rasafa is a dead city in the desert, the ancient Sergiopolis, where St. Sergius, the heavenly patron of St. Sergius of Radonezh, was executed and buried. Well-preserved walls, part of the streets and large buildings, including the Cathedral of St. Sergius.

Mar Musa is a monastery founded in the 4th century in a Roman fort with unique frescoes from the 11th-12th centuries. Mar Georges is the monastery of St. George, founded in the 6th century, where particles of the saint's girdle are kept. Unique 400-year-old ebony iconostasis; a new temple built with the help of Russian monks in the 19th century.

Kalb Lohse is a 6th century basilica, a masterpiece of early Byzantine architecture. Church of Kanis Umm Zunnar is one of the oldest churches in the world, which houses the girdle of the Virgin. Maqam Arbain or Magarat ad-Damm - "the cave of the first blood" - the place where, according to legend, Cain killed Abel.

Kanavat (ancient Kanaf). The ruins of two basilicas of the 6th century, rebuilt from ancient temples of the 2nd century.

Byzantine dead cities.

A unique area around Aleppo, where over a hundred settlements dating back to the 4th-6th centuries have been preserved in a small area, some in such good condition, as if the owners had left them recently. Dwelling houses, basilicas, farms, monasteries, watchtowers, tombs of various shapes, public buildings, oil presses... here you can wander around without getting tired. The most interesting are Serjilla, Al-Bara, Rueikha, Barad, Shensherakh, Bshilla, Jerada, Bakirkha, Babiska, Kokanaya, Maez.

Monuments of the Islamic period.

Umayyad Mosque in Damascus (VIII century). The largest mosque in the world until recently. Unique mosaics made of golden smalt. The mosque houses the chapel of St. John the Baptist, who is also the prophet Yahya in the Islamic tradition, where the head of the saint is kept. In a separate room at the mosque, a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad and the head of Hussein, the son of the fourth "righteous" Caliph Ali, are kept.

Qasr al-Azem Palace - the residence of the governor of Damascus, built in the 18th century, one of the best examples of late Islamic architecture, a favorite place for filming films on historical themes. The palace has a traditional structure: an official part, a harem, baths, utility rooms. A large number of interesting exhibits, as well as genre scenes depicted by wax dolls, enliven the atmosphere.

Aleppo Citadel, located on a high artificial hill, is the best example of Arab medieval fortification architecture.

Tekkiya Suleymaniya is a dervish monastery complex built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, the author of several remarkable buildings in Istanbul.

Qasr al-Kheir ash-Sharqi is one of the best-preserved desert palaces of the Umayyad caliphs.

Kalaat Salah ad-Din - the fortress of Salah ad-Din is one of the most impressive castles of the crusaders, considered impregnable and taken by the legendary Sultan Salah ad-Din for three days.

Medieval madrasahs and markets of Aleppo and Damascus.

Bimaristan - a hospital and medical academy of medieval Damascus, now a museum of the history of medicine with rare exhibits.

The Mausoleum of Salah ad-Din in Damascus is a tomb of the XII century, where the ashes of the legendary sultan, who began the expulsion of the crusaders from the Arab East, rest.

Seyida Zeynab - the tomb of the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, daughter of Caliph Ali, in Damascus.

Seyida Rukiya - the tomb of the granddaughter of Caliph Ali, daughter of Hussein, in Damascus.

Khan Asaad Pasha is the largest and most luxuriously decorated caravanserai in Damascus.

Cemetery Bab as - Sagyr in Damascus, where the graves of many famous characters of Islamic history have been preserved, such as Bilal, an Abyssinian-companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first muezzin of Islam; famous scientist al-Farabi and others.

Jami Sheikh Mohi ad-Din is the tomb of the famous mystic philosopher Ibn al-Arabi in Damascus.

The city of Raqqa is the summer residence of the legendary caliph Harun ar-Rashid on the Euphrates River; the ruins of several palaces, a mosque, the remains of walls.

Mosque and tomb of Khaled ibn al-Walid, the legendary Arab commander who played a big role in the early years of the Arab conquests; located in Homs.

Maarrat an-Nuaman is the birthplace of the famous medieval Arab poet Abu Al al-Maarri, his grave is located here, as well as the grave of the standard-bearer of the prophet Muhammad Itaullah bin Rabah. Several ancient mosques, a museum with an interesting collection of Byzantine mosaics.

Crusader castles.

In Syria, there are the most interesting and excellently preserved castles of the XII-XIII centuries, built by the Crusaders.

Krak des Chevaliers. The castle included in all anthologies. At one time it served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of the Hospitallers. It is considered the best example of its time in terms of the variety of fortification means.

Saon. Perhaps the only example of a 12th-century castle in the world that has been preserved unchanged. The man-made gorge and the "needle" carved out of the rock that once supported the drawbridge make this structure completely unique, which Lawrence of Arabia called "the most romantic of all castles."

Tartus - medieval Tortosa. The partially preserved huge citadel is the last stronghold of the Knights Templar in the Holy Land. Also preserved are the remains of the city of the Crusaders and the Cathedral of the Mother of God of Tartu, a unique example of a fortified temple, one of the first buildings in the Gothic style.

Markab - medieval Margat. The castle, striking in its size, was the last stronghold of the crusaders on the Syrian coast.

Arvad. A picturesque island near the Syrian coast. where the crusaders held out the longest, as the fortress towering over it reminds of.

National Museum in Damascus - unique exhibits of ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Phoenicia; a curious collection of provincial antique art; reconstruction of the synagogue from the Euphrates city of Dura Europos (3rd century) with the only frescoes of its time on the theme of Old Testament legends.

The Military Museum in Damascus is one of the richest collections of ancient and medieval weapons in the world.

The Suweida Museum is an extensive collection of provincial art and household items from the Roman period.

Aleppo Museum - impressive exhibits from the excavations of ancient Mesopotamian cities, including a large number of sculptures and bas-reliefs - from small to huge, that once adorned the portal of the royal palace in Aramaic Guzan.