The ideal way to start is by visiting the Shahba Museum, which helps in understanding the city better. The museum also boasts of some beautiful mosaic art that exhibits the exquisite Syro-Roman art in the region.

The highlight of the city is its ruins. The ruin of the kalybe is particularly interesting as it has a 30 m niche as part of the façade of the palace, which is thought to have been the throne of Philip.

The temple is speculated to have erected in honour of Philip’s chieftain father, Julius Marinus. There is evidence that this temple was at one time adorned with marble and that the niches in between the wall arches were filled with statuary of Philip’s family.

The theatre is 42 m in diameter and is one of the best-preserved theatres in Syria. The baths are huge compared to the rest of the city, with the insides walls covered with marble. The quality of architecture of these baths is very good, probably better than some of the baths in Rome.

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...