City: Damascus
Top Things to do in Damascus
The 8 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Damascus, Syria
Having survived thousands of years of successive civilizations from the Egyptians, Greco-Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mongols, Ottomans and French to the modern Arab era, Damascus is one of the most resilient and historic cities on Earth. Its ruins lay up to 8 feet deep under its surface and the Old City is home to Roman era ramparts, gates, the Umayyad Mosque and legendary churches including the Chapel of St. Paul. Bab Sharqi and the Souk Medhat Pasha lay on a street dating to biblical times.
Restaurants in Damascus
1. Damascus Umayyad Mosque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By ArielRuffian - Singapore, null
This place is filled with history - it used to be the Basilica of St John the Baptist before the conquest of the Ummayad Caliphate. There is a green clothed covered tomb inside which apparently contains John the Baptist's head. There is also a so-called "Jesus Minaret" where, distinct from Christian belief, the Muslims believe "Isa" will return in the last days. On the outside walls, there is a stone with a greek inscription with words from Psalm 145 verse 13 which says of the Lord: "13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all [a]generations. Definitely a top level attraction in Damascus, a world class site.
2. Alsnjkdar Mosque
3. Omayad Mosque
4. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum
5. Tekiyeh Al-Suleimaniyeh
6. St Ananias Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By ArielRuffian - Singapore, null
In the Bible, the book of Acts, the story is told of a faithful Christian, Ananias, who while praying, heard from the Lord Jesus and was told to go down to the street called Straight and lay hands on a blind man, Saul of Tarsus, known for violently persecuting Christians or members of the Way as they were first known. Ananias balked but obeyed and the result of the obedience was launching St Paul the Apostle into his destiny. This chapel is where Ananias lived - he became the Bishop of Damascus (a public figure) so records were kept of his house. It is just off the Street called Straight. The chapel is serene and has beautiful paintings of the conversion of St Paul and one can sit and soak in the quiet spirit there. There is a small on site shop which sells books, postcards and maps. This is a site of great importance and Christian heritage. Well worth the visit.
7. Hanabila Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
