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World / Asia / Syria / Damascus

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Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque (Old City): Built in 705 AD, this eye-popping (use alternative wording- we are describing a Moscque!) mosque was converted from a Byzantine cathedral, itself converted from a Roman temple. Follow signs to the tourist entrance (where women must wear a cloak, provided free of charge, and men in shorts or vest-tops should cover up). You emerge into a serene marble courtyard, dotted with golden mosaics and overlooked by three towering minarets. Inside the main prayer hall, a shrine holds the head of John the Baptist, known in Islam as the Prophet Yahya. Linger as long as you like.

National Museum

National Museum (off Shukri al-Kuwatly Street): This sprawling museum is home to a magnificent, if rather fusty, collection of antiquities from every period of Syrian history, including an Islamic-era desert fortress gateway, a frescoed synagogue dating from the 3rd century AD and some superb Roman mosaics.

Mustafa Ali Gallery

Mustafa Ali's Gallery (Old City): In the old Jewish Quarter, you'll stumble across this quirky little gallery- the workshop and exhibition space of Mustafa Ali, Syria's leading sculptor, set in a splendid courtyard house. Drop in to see (and buy) the artworks, or just relax with a glass of tea.

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