Damascus, also known as the Levant, is the capital and largest city of Syria, and was founded in the third millennium BC.

The old city of Damascus is considered to be the oldest inhabited city in the world and the oldest capital in history. The ancient area is located within the walls of the historic city of Damascus and is distinguished by its buildings that date back to several eras and its sacred places of churches and mosques that are symbols of religions.

It is also distinguished by its streets and roads on which the saints, kings, leaders, scholars and the great History makers have walked. Damascus was an important cultural and commercial center, by virtue of its geographical location at the crossroads of East and West between Africa and Asia.

The city contains many mosques, churches, historical schools, shrines, palaces, stone-paved streets and enchanted lanes inhabited by the scent of history.

The historical monuments in the city date back to several eras and periods of time from the successive civilizations of the ancient city, whose construction goes back to thousands of years ago. When the city wall was built in the Roman era, it was provided with seven gates, some of which were demolished, and others were built in subsequent periods. Eight gates remain to this day.

Old Damascus is rich with many important historical and religious monuments, including:

• Mariameh Cathedral
• Al Azem Palace
• Damascus Castle
• Saint Anania’s Church
• Saint Paul’s Church
• The Temple of Jupiter in Damascus
• Damascus gates
• The Umayyad Mosque
• Anbar office (Maktab Anbar)
• Khan Assad Basha Al Azem