 | Damascus Today Damascus is the capital of Syria. Apart from being the political center of the country, it is also the cultural heart of the country. Damascus’s authorities have done a very good job in preserving the many historical and cultural attractions. Various architectural styles are visible throughout the city, dating back to different periods of its history- Roman, Islamic and French rule. An important sector of Damascus’s economy is the tourist industry. Other prominent sectors are the textiles, food processing and chemical industries. The military and secret service quarters are also located he |
 | Damascus Back Then Inhabited since 10,000 B.C., Damascus is one of the world's most ancient cities, boasting a very colorful history. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great, and after his death it was annexed by the Roman general, Pompey. The Romans built a great deal of the infrastructure of the city. St. Paul and St. Thomas both lived in the quarters developed by the Romans in Damascus. Damascus was first conquered by the Muslims in 634 by the Rashidun Caliph. It soon became the capital of the Omayyad Empire and later was ruled from Baghdad during the Abbassid caliphate. It was also ruled by the Fati |
 | Al Mamlouka Originally a house, this beautiful boutique hotel dates back to the 17th century. Guests will be tre |  | Damascus Cham Palace This is arguably one of the city’s most lavish hotels, located in downtown Damascus. Rooms are lar |
 | Four Seasons Hotel This hotel is located in an ideal part of the city. The national museum and other attractions are no |  | Blue Tower This hotel is in a prime location. It is a popular choice amongst tourists who vie for one of the 60 |
 | Sheraton Hotel Located in an ideal spot in the centre of the city, the Sheraton faces the Quassioun Mountain and is |  | Orient Palace Hotel This hotel dates back to the 1920s and faces the old Hejaz Train Station. It has been a guesthouse t |
 | Oriental Arts Center The Oriental Arts |  | The Damascus Souq This is a vast souq housing many mini bazaars. Visitors will be transported back in time and exposed |
 | George Dabdoub Located next to the Azem Palace in the Old City, George Dabdoub sells a number of traditional Damasc |  | Khalil Haddad This shop sells some very fascinating and interesting handicrafts. Customers will fall in love with |
 | Anat Anat is a wonderful place to shop for Damascene souvenirs. It sells a number of traditional items in | | Khalil Haddad This shop sells some very fascinating and interesting handicrafts. Customers will fall in love with |
 | Olivex This event is held annually in March and lasts for four days at the Damascus Fair Ground. Olives bei |  | International Leather Goods Fair This event is held annually for four days in August at the Damascus New Fair Ground. Producers of le |
 | Eid-ul-Fitr This important occasion occurs every year upon the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Rama |  | Food Expo Exhibition Annually held in June for the past seven years, this event lasts about five days at the Damascus Fai |
 | Damascus Book Fair This event is held annually in October at the Arab Cultural Center and has been done so for the past |  | Jazz Lives in Syria Held annually in August at the Citadel for six nights, this open air festival features renowned loca |
 | Anas Chicken The restaurant is small and intimate and is great for those with a tight budget. Some of the items |  | Bab Sharqi Restaurant For those on a budget, this is a great place to eat out. This roadside café is extremely popular w |
 | Al Sehhi Restaurant For those on a budget, this is a great place to eat out. The restaurant is small and intimate with |  | Art Café Ninar For those on a budget, this is a great place to eat out. The restaurant is small and intimate. What |
 | Al Khawali Mouth watering Syrian cuisine is served here. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out a wide range o |  | Casablanca The menu here is dominated by French cuisine but guests can also opt for some of the traditional gri |
 | Fast Facts Location Damascus is located 80 km from the Mediterranean Sea on a plateau 2200 feet above sea level. It is bordered by the Anti- Lebanon Mountains, with the Barada river flowing nearby Dialing code +963 Emergency numbers Police – 112 Fire- 113 Ambulance- 110 Population 1.5 million Languages Arabic, French and English Time Zone GMT/UTC + 2 Average January temperatures 5.5 Degrees Celsius Average July temperatures 26 Degrees Celsius Annual rainfall 7.6 inches |
