Over the years, the excavations have revealed palaces, temples and large religious precincts and defences, all the attributes of a major urban centre. The Italian excavation team have been particularly innovative in its conservation and restoration work on the ancient mud brick city, which they have uncovered.

The city has an Aramean fortress dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries. It was found under a villa dating back to the Persian and Hellenistic era.

The citadel also includes many palaces, the main one being the Royal Palace on the west side. The Palace, including the Archive Room where the clay tablets were found, can be found in a state similar to that in which they were first found.

The biggest discovery in Ebla has been the cuneiform clay tablets, almost 20,000 in number, discovered in the palace archives.

Another site worth visiting is the Gateway on the south-west side of the city wall. 

Major sights of Damascus include:
The National Museum of Damascus, which displays a wonderful archaeological and historical collection.
The Omayyad Mosque

A major attraction in the centre of the city, visible from nearly anywhere, is the old fortress, The Citadel. Situated on a hill, the fort gives an insight to th...