Old City of Damascus

Damascus

One of the oldest great mosques in the world and the best-known landmark of Damascus, built by Caliph al-Walid I between 705 and 715 on a site that had been a Roman temple and then a church of St John the Baptist. It is famed for its golden mosaics, vast courtyard and three minarets, and its prayer hall holds the shrine of John the Baptist (the Prophet Yahya).

Damascus

A historic caravanserai inside the Old City of Damascus, in the Hariqa quarter, about 100 m from Azm Palace. The Old City of Damascus has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Damascus

Remains of the Roman Temple of Jupiter, raised in the first centuries AD on the site of an older Aramaean temple of the god Hadad. Its most striking survivor is the western gateway with its massive Corinthian columns, at the end of Souq al-Hamidiyah facing the Umayyad Mosque.

Damascus

A restaurant inside the Old City of Damascus, in the Qaymariyya quarter, about 100 m from the Umayyad Mosque. It stands on Souq Al Hamidiyah. From here the markets, mosques and churches of the Old City are all within walking distance.

Damascus

A mosque on the site of al-Jawziyya Madrasa, founded in the 13th century by Muhyi al-Din Yusuf, son of the scholar Ibn al-Jawzi; the father of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya was its superintendent (qayyim), which gave his son his famous name. It stands in Souq al-Buzuriyah near Azm Palace.

Damascus

A traditional souq inside the Old City of Damascus, in the Hameidiyyeh quarter, about 200 m from Azm Palace. From here the markets, mosques and churches of the Old City are all within walking distance.