All you need to know about the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city

Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is truly unique and special. It is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city to begin with. For a city that old, Damascus has been able to preserve its beautiful heritage, even in the face of never-ending political turmoil.

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This grand old city was once a centre of civilisation, an important seat of many different empires throughout its history, including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman empires. The rich history of Damascus can be witnessed even today in the form of historic monuments and buildings.



Damascus is located in the southwestern part of Syria, approximately 130 km from Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. It is situated in a fertile plain at the eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range.


Damascus has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, music, and art. The city is known for its beautiful mosques, historic palaces, and traditional souks (markets). Even though the city is not a stranger to turmoil, it is also an important centre for several major religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It is home to several historic religious sites, including the Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the holiest sites in Islam.



Many reports may suggest that it is safe to travel to Damascus but it is also true that the current situation in Syria has greatly impacted tourism in the country. And we are not talking only about the recent earthquakes. Damascus has been greatly affected by conflicts of the past and present. If we can look beyond that, you will see that the city’s rich history, ancient landmarks, vibrant culture, and cuisine are something to write home about.