Get Inspired: Our Guide to the Best 30 landmarks and archaeological sites in Syria
Join us on a journey to unlock Syria’s secrets with 30 landmarks and archaeological sites. Explore 30 amazing landmarks and archaeological sites or the best 30 landmarks and archaeological sites in Syria. Let’s discover 30 best landmarks and archaeological sites or hidden landmarks and archaeological sites in Syria. Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive list of destinations in Syria.
Information about Syria
Syria is located in the Middle East and West Asia in particular, and it is surrounded by Middle Eastern countries on all sides, as it is bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Palestine, Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and it serves as a link between the countries of the East and the West, which gives it importance It is large in the Arab world, and Syria is considered one of the coastal countries in which the Mediterranean climate prevails, meaning that it enjoys a moderate and warm climate. It was also classified among one of the oldest sites of human civilizations, as it abounds with many antiquities dating back thousands of years, and was inhabited by many civilizations, empires, and human settlements throughout the ages, which contributed to the great diversity in it on the historical, cultural, and tourist levels at the same time. Syria is characterized by the low cost of tourism throughout the year, and it has been classified as one of the best tourist sites in the world.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Syria
Get ready to explore the ultimate landmarks and archaeological sites destinations in Syria with our carefully crafted list of top-rated spots. We’ve done the research for you, scouring the reviews of countless visitors to bring you the most unforgettable experiences. Let us be your guide.
1- Tower of Elahbel
Tower of Elahbel – The Al-Ahbel Tower (Al-Ahl) is located in the funerary area of the Kingdom of Palmyra (Valley of the Cemeteries). It is a sandstone tower and one of the other towers built outside the city walls. The height of this tower is about 4 meters, and it consists of 4 floors. This tower played an important role in the history of textiles. It also includes burials and some ancient stone statues. Tourists can go up to the fourth floor, but they have to be careful while going up.
Place address: Palmyra, Syria
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2- Royal Palace of Ugarit
Royal Palace of Ugarit – Ugarit is a royal palace with origins dating back to 7500 BC, and it is one of the important archaeological discoveries that sit on Ras Shamra hill in the city of Latakia, in addition to that it is considered one of the landmarks that attract large numbers of tourists to the city every year, and this palace consists Of the dwellings, large halls, and historical temples, such as the Baal Temple and others. Tourists will also find an ancient olive press and some shops that indicate the crafts that the Ugaritic population has mastered. It should be noted that the excavations are still going on to this day, as only a third of this city has been uncovered.
Place address: Latakia, Syria
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3- Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque – The Sayyidah Ruqayyah Mosque is characterized by oriental (Iranian) architectural designs and exquisite decorations. It houses the tomb of Sukayna bint Hussain (Ruqayyah, the young daughter of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him), who died in Damascus in the year 681. It is one of the landmarks that attracts large numbers of visitors. Tourists come to the city every year, and the most important thing that distinguishes this Islamic landmark is the many mirrors, gold works and beautiful inscriptions that adorn the walls, in addition to its proximity to the Umayyad Mosque and Al-Hamidiya Market located in the heart of the city.
Place address: Damascus, Syria
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4- Al Azem Palace
Al Azem Palace – Al-Azm Palace was built in the eighteenth century AD, and it was initially allocated to the Ottoman governor and ruler of Damascus, Ahmed Pasha the Great, and continued until the twenties of the last century, then it was converted into a museum dedicated to folk arts and traditions. This palace is considered a wonderful example of the ancient Damascene houses and a stunning example of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture, as it has a simple exterior design, Levantine corridors, and distinctive interior furniture.
Place address: Damascus, Syria
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5- Qalaat Fakhr ad-Din al-Maani
Qalaat Fakhr ad-Din al-Maani – Fakhr al-Din al-Maani Castle, which dates back to the thirteenth century AD, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980 AD, as it has great historical and archaeological importance, and it was one of the most important cultural centers in the ancient world. The remains of this castle are located on a slightly elevated rocky hill, and it is surrounded by a moat topped by a movable bridge. It also overlooks the ancient site of Palmyra, which attracts many tourists to it every year.
Place address: Palmyra, Syria
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6- Khaled Ibn Walid Mosque
Khaled Ibn Walid Mosque – The Khaled bin Al-Walid Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, and it is one of the monuments that attract large numbers of tourists to the city every year. This domed mosque consists of a prayer hall with exquisite Islamic decorations and a courtyard with origins dating back to the twentieth century. It also includes two minarets, one of which is taller. From the other, there are narrow corridors that reflect the splendor of traditional Islamic architecture, as well as the presence of the tomb of the military leader who led the Islamic conquest in Syria, Khaled bin Al-Walid, inside it.
Place address: Homs, Syria
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7- The Great Umayyad Mosque
The Great Umayyad Mosque – The Great Umayyad Mosque was built at the beginning of the eighth century AD, which means that it is one of the oldest mosques in the city. This distinctive Islamic and historical landmark consists of an old chapel and a spacious courtyard in the middle of which is a beautiful water fountain, a minaret, and a small outer dome similar to those located in the courtyards of the Dome of the Rock mosque in Jerusalem. It is a wonderful place, and your trip to the city will not be complete without visiting it and enjoying its ancient architectural details and unique spiritual atmosphere.
Place address: Hawl Al Qalaa St, Aleppo, Syria
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8- The Omayad Mosque
The Omayad Mosque – The Great Umayyad Mosque is located in the Old City, and it is one of the largest and oldest mosques and places of worship in the world. It is also considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Damascus. This archaeological site was a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, but it was converted into a mosque during the era of the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid bin Abdul-Malik. The mosque includes a royal burial site and a prayer hall with Islamic decorations and distinctive ancient mosaics, in addition to the shrine of John the Baptist, which is believed to contain the head of John the Baptist since the sixteenth century AD, in addition to the presence of the shrine that contains the tomb of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in a small garden next to the wall. north of the mosque.
Place address: Damascus, Syria
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9- Bab Sharqi
Bab Sharqi – The Gate of the Sun (Bab Sharqi) is one of the seven gates of the ancient Roman town of Damascus, and it was named by this name because it is located on the eastern side of the city. . This gate played an important role in the establishment of the Umayyad state when the Arab armies entered it without a fight, and it also contributed to spreading the Christian religion throughout the ancient world.
Place address: Damascus, Syria
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10- Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab
Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab – The shrine of Sayyida Zainab is located in the southern part of the city of Damascus in a mosque of the same name. It is considered one of the most important tourist attractions with stunning Islamic decorations. The area of the shrine is 15,000 square meters and can accommodate 5,000 people at the same time. from around the world; The shrine has a distinctive design of pure silver decorated with Quranic verses, and it was designed by an artist from Tehran in 1955.
Place address: Set Zaynab, Syria
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11- Bab Touma
Bab Touma – Bab Touma is one of the doors leading to the old town of Damascus and the Christian Quarter in particular, and one of the seven gates of the old town walls; This gate was designed by the Byzantines to commemorate St. Thomas the Apostle, and it was built over a Roman door dating back 5,000 years ago. Everyone who visits this archaeological neighborhood can enjoy the fragrant history and nobility of the past when wandering among its old corridors and sidewalks surrounded by various shops and restaurants.
Place address: مطعم ياسمين، Bab Touma St, Damascus, Syria
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12- Um Al Zenar Church
Um Al Zenar Church – Um al-Zunnar is an Orthodox church and the seat of the Syriac Orthodox bishops in Homs and Hama. It is considered one of the tourist attractions that attract many locals and tourists alike. This church dates back to the mid-nineteenth century AD. It also has a unique and beautiful architectural design. The presence of the girdle of the Virgin Mary’s dress in it.
Place address: شارع الورشة، حمص، Syria
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13- Khan Assad Basha Al Azem
Khan Assad Basha Al Azem – Khan Asaad Pasha al-Azm is one of the main and distinctive attractions in the city of Damascus. It is a historical hotel built in the eighteenth century AD. It is considered one of the largest and most luxurious khans in Damascus, which won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. It has majestic architecture, antique interior designs and decorations. ; In addition, it hosted many caravans of merchants from various neighboring countries throughout the ages. This khan covers an area of 2,500 square meters, in the middle of which are large pools of water and surrounded by various shops and wonderful hotel rooms.
Place address: Al-Qaimarryeh, Damascus, Syria
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14- Maqam Gate
Maqam Gate – The Maqam Gate is considered one of the distinctive landmarks that attract a large number of tourists to Aleppo. It is one of the gates of the old town of Aleppo, which dates back to the thirteenth century AD. It leads to the vital popular markets located in the heart of the old town. There are many stories about the reason for the construction of this beautiful architectural gate, one of which says that the goal was ceremonial, and it could have been built in honor and appreciation of some religious figures.
Place address: Said Bin Al Ass Street, Aleppo, Syria
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15- Mahalibeh Castle
Mahalibeh Castle – Al-Mahalaba Castle (or Platense Fortress) is located about an hour away from the city of Latakia. It is one of the ancient castles that dates back to the eleventh century AD. It was captured by many empires, such as the Byzantine, Crusader and Franks, and then was liberated by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in 1188 AD. This castle sits on a hill with a height of 750 meters. It also consists of the remains of rooms, archways, towers, and passages surrounded by impregnable external walls. It was subjected to a strong earthquake that destroyed many of its parts, but it is now being restored.
Place address: Al Qardahah, Syria
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16- Medhat Basha Souq
Medhat Basha Souq – Midhat Pasha Market is considered a symbol of the historical symbols of Damascus, and it is one of the old and ancient markets of the city of Damascus. And others, in addition to that it includes many ancient mosques, historical palaces and majestic churches.
Place address: Medhat Basha, Damascus, Syria
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17- Citadel of Damascus
Citadel of Damascus – Damascus Citadel was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. The origins of this citadel date back to the late twelfth century AD, during the period of Saladin’s rule in particular, and it is part of the historic city wall. This castle takes the shape of a rectangle, and includes 12 high towers and several large stone gates, and it is made of basalt and carbon stone, and its walls permeate with holes that were intended for shooting arrows in ancient times.
Place address: Damascus, Syria
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18- Al Adeliah Mosque
Al Adeliah Mosque – The Adiliyeh Mosque is a mosque complex located in the heart of the Old City of Aleppo, and is considered one of the oldest Ottoman mosques in the city. This mosque enjoys Islamic motifs and windows surrounded by bright brick panels, and it is distinguished by its towering minaret, which reflects the majestic Islamic architecture.
Place address: Aleppo, Syria
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19- The Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of Jupiter – The Temple of Jupiter was built by the Romans, hence its name as the Roman Temple. It is one of the distinctive monuments that appeal to many lovers of history and architecture, both locals and tourists. The parts and columns that have survived to this day are distributed among the shops and houses of the old town near the mosque. The Great Umayyad Palace, as it is surrounded by huge stone gates.
Place address: Damascus, Syria
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20- Hospice Sulaymaniyah
Hospice Sulaymaniyah – The Sulaymaniyah Hospice is a huge mosque complex, and it is considered one of the archaeological monuments dating back to the sixteenth century AD. This wonderful place enjoys classical architecture of the majestic Ottoman style. It was a school, a mosque, and a place to house and feed the poor and pilgrims coming from Anatolia to Makkah; Today, it has been converted into a museum and market dedicated to crafts and crafts.
Place address: Shoukry Al-Qouwatly, Damascus, Syria
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21- St.Marys’ Church
St.Marys’ Church – The Cathedral of Saint Mary, located in the ancient city of Damascus and near the eastern gate, is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful Orthodox churches in the Levant, as it dates back to the beginnings of the spread of Christianity in Damascus, and it is one of the attractions that attract large numbers of tourists to the city every year. Which includes a number of distinctive churches. The Mariamian Church consists of a large hall that can accommodate 600 people, and its walls are decorated with paintings, inscriptions, and religious motifs, the most important of which is the Moscow icon. This cathedral is the center of the largest Christian community in the East.
Place address: باب شرقي، دمشق، Syria
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22- Krak des Chevaliers
Krak des Chevaliers – Qalaat al-Hosn is a Crusader castle located in the Syrian city of Tartous, and it is considered one of the most important castles and fortresses in the Middle Ages, as it was inhabited by the Kurds in the eleventh century who came to protect the trade lines, and for this reason it was known as the Castle of the Kurds, and when the castle was given to the Knights of the Hospital in the nineteenth century, they called it Castle. The castle is distinguished by its distinctive construction, high walls, military architecture, the strength of its forts, its series of prominent balconies, its arrows, and its distinctive location, as it stands on a volcanic plateau on a mountain range steep on its three sides, in a distinct strategic location at the crossroads of the commercial and military routes of convoys between Homs, Tripoli and Tartous.
Place address: Syria
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23- Roman Theatre
Roman Theatre – The Roman theater, located in the ancient city of Palmyra, is considered one of the most important attractions that attract large numbers of tourists to the city every year. He mentioned earlier where the amphitheater was built, and the other in the early third century, when the platform was constructed of limestone; This theater takes the form of a semicircle, and its platform is surrounded by stone columns and three large gates that were intended for entering wrestling animals into the ring.
Place address: Theatre, Palmyre, Syria
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24- Khan Al-Shuna
Khan Al-Shuna – Khan Al-Shuna is one of the rare markets that still exist to this day, which is full of products and exceptional handicrafts made of bamboo, mosaics, pottery, glass, copper, Arabic calligraphy and other crafts of up to 49 crafts. This khan is considered the ideal destination to learn about the distinctive heritage of Syria and oriental architecture, as well as a window to get an idea of Aleppo and its ancient art.
Place address: حلب القديمة، حلب، Syria
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25- Temple of Bel
Temple of Bel – The Temple of Bel (Baal) was named after a Mesopotamian god who was considered the god of gods. It was built in the first century AD. It was one of the archaeological and religious monuments of great importance in the Middle East. This temple mixes ancient oriental architecture with Greek architectural design. Romanian; Despite the harsh conditions that this temple was subjected to throughout the ages, it still maintains its arched entrance, fortified doors, and majestic external walls that attract many tourists from all over the world.
Place address: Palmyra, Syria
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26- Jableh Roman theater
Jableh Roman theater – The Jableh Roman Amphitheater is the second largest Roman theater located in Syria, and its construction dates back to the second century AD. It is also very popular among tourists and locals who love architecture and history at the same time. ; Many national and artistic celebrations and international festivals were held in it, the most important of which was the “Live Jableh Festival”, which aims to emphasize the strength of the will of the Syrian people and their love for life.
Place address: Jableh, Syria
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27- Citadel of Arwad
Citadel of Arwad – Arwad Castle is one of the most important historical monuments that characterize the city of Tartous, which is described as one of the most important ancient historical castles. It is located in the center of Arwad Island. It was designed based on an architectural and engineering approach commensurate with the necessities of marine and war life in ancient times, and its military construction method shows its great contribution that helped protect the island, and its important defensive role during wars and repeated invasions in ancient times. The castle sits on a large natural rock, which is entered by an indirect side staircase, due to military necessities at the time. Today, many restorations have been made in it and it has become the golden record of the island.
Place address: Tartus, Syria
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28- Castle Roe
Castle Roe – Yahmur Castle is one of the most important archaeological monuments in the city of Tartous. It is an ancient castle in the village of Yahmur that was built during the Frankish occupation of the Syrian coast in the twelfth century AD as a small Crusader stronghold in northwestern Syria belonging to the province of Tripoli. It was used as a control center and link between the coastal castles . It is worth noting that it was called the red stone in relation to the color of its stones. Tourists come to this castle from all over the world, wanting to see and learn about the richness of history.
Place address: Al Futasiyah, Syria
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29- Castle Necmettin
Castle Necmettin – Najm al-Din Castle is located northeast of the city of Aleppo and on the banks of the Euphrates River. Despite its distance from the city, it is considered one of the vital landmarks that attract many tourists to it every year. A huge trench with a width of 8-9 meters and a depth of 7 meters. The castle consists of 3 floors that include warehouses, defense towers, secret covered passages, water tanks, and a unique royal palace.
Place address: Kobane, Syria
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30- Armenian Forty Martyrs Cathedral
Armenian Forty Martyrs Cathedral – The Church of the Forty Martyrs is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City, and it is an old Armenian church dating back to the fifteenth century AD. and its large bell, which is an example of majestic Baroque architecture.
Place address: Aleppo, Syria
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the wonders of Syria. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this amazing region. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, Syria has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and tag us on social media using #ExploreSyria. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!