Visit Damascus Governorate

The Damascus Governorate of Syria is the capital and largest city in the country. It is a major tourist destination known for its vibrant culture, bustling bazaars, and ancient monuments. Notable sites include the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel of Damascus, and Souq al-Hamidiyeh.

For tourists wishing to explore beyond Damascus city limits, Qalaat al-Madiq is a popular destination due to its remarkable Crusader-era castle ruins, as well as its sweeping views from atop ancient fortifications. The small town of Ma'loula is another popular draw for visitors seeking to experience rural Syria; it's home to two minority Christian denominations whose liturgy is still spoken in Aramaic--the language of Jesus Christ himself!

For those wanting a peek into antiquity even further back, Damascus has plenty to offer: it's one of the oldest cities in human history! Evidence suggests that it was first inhabited more than 11,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. In fact, some scholars contend that this was where humanity first learned to use fire on an industrial scale--an incredible testament to Syria's rich cultural heritage.