Why Damascus Old City is special
Damascus in Syria is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) cities in the world. Although most of sprawling modern-day Damascus is nondescript, its walled Old City is outstanding.
Reserve ample time to explore the ancient streets within Damascus Old City. They are lined with venerable homes - and some of the balconies of the dwellings overhang the narrow alleys so far that they almost kiss those on the other side.
The crowded, covered Souk (marketplace) is also a must-do Damascus Old City experience. Goods of many varieties are hawked by shopkeepers verbally jostling each other for the attention of passing buyers.

Why the Umayyad Mosque is special
The top tourist draw of Damascus Old City is the Umayyad (also spelled Omayyad) Mosque. It was erected around 700 AD and is renowned for the immense prayer hall (its floors are blanketed with valuable oriental rugs). Other Umayyad Mosque marvels include the vast courtyard (for scale, notice the blue-robed person in the photo) and the stunning mosaic work on the walls and archways. Today the Umayyad Mosque is the fourth holiest site of Islam (after Mecca, Medina and the Dome of the Rock).

What leading travel books say about Damascus and the Umayyad
Damascus Old City retains an almost timeless atmosphere of great antiquity.
Jordan, Syria & Lebanon
Footprint Handbooks

The Great Umayyad Mosque has been acclaimed as the most opulent ever constructed.
Syria Revealed
Boxer Publishing