Damascus
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
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Why visit
Travel here is currently restricted by years of civil war, see 'avoid'. In peacetime, the Old City was one of the great experiences of the Levant: the Umayyad Mosque (with its intricate Byzantine-style mosaics. Shrine to John the Baptist's head), the labyrinthine Souq al-Hamidiyya, the Azem Palace, and tea on Mount Qasioun overlooking the city at sunset. Damascene cuisine, mezze, kibbeh, baklawa from Bakdash, is regarded as the Levant's finest.
When to avoid
Syria's civil war (since 2011) and the more recent transition of government in late 2024 mean the security situation remains volatile and fluid, most Western governments advise against all travel to Syria, and many sanctions and travel restrictions remain in place. Infrastructure is damaged. Medical care limited. Landmines and unexploded ordnance present in many areas. Check current advisories closely. This entry is for reference rather than travel planning.
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