Vestiges of the ancient 'Main Avenue' (The Grand Colonade) in Palmyra (photo by RONALD G. JAYME)

The treasured oasis of Palmyra

A first-time visit to Palmyra would bring you into an amazing world built 2,000 years ago by the Arab Queen Zenobia. Situated in the middle of the desert, this "city of palms" was an important meeting point of the silk caravans of early traders from the East and West. Merchants found relief from this serene green oasis of olive, palm, and pomegranate.  Formerly called Tadmor (city of dates), Palmyra is also known for its well-preserved theater, temples, tombs, walls, and stone etchings reminiscent of the impressive architectural ingenuity of the olden times.

An exciting way to view these structures is to take a leisurely stroll through the remanants of  a 1,000 meter stretch known as Main Avenue, or as it is more popularly known, the Grand Colonnade.

Aleppo – the city of antiquity

  Aleppo is the second most important commercial hub in Syria. Enter this  ancient city and one immediately beholds age-old structures, from mosques, towers and walls, to covered markets and public baths ( locally called the hammam).  One notable and long-standing blueprint of Arabian military architecture is the Aleppo Citadel situated at the heart of the city.  Its museum also accommodates rich and salient historical artifacts illustrating the vital role of Syria in the shaping of human civilization.                                                                         

Hama – the city of waterwheels

The norias or waterwheels are prominent attractions in Hama.  These big wooden machines scattered along the banks of Orontes River have been the city's source of water for irrigation for many centuries.  At present, there are 17 waterwheels that charm visitors not only because of their sole purpose but also because of their antiquity and imposing design.              

The coastal district of Tartus      

Heading to the coastal countryside of Tartus is an added wonder for tourists, making Syria a complete adventure package.  It boasts of a clean water shoreline and modern hotels, cafes, and restaurants. This is Syria’s second major seaport (next to Latakia) on the Mediterranean and it's also surrounded by vestiges of the past such as walls, arches, and religious structures.

A stroll in the old city with its narrow lanes and antique shops would take you  back to the medieval era. Not too far from the coastline of Tartus is the legendary medieval castle called Crac Des Chevaliers.  It stands on a volcanic crater overlooking the fertile plain of Homs and Latakia mountains.      

The rocky village of Maalula

With its houses clinging to the rocky mountains of Al  Qalamoun, the small village (56 kilometers away from Damascus) of Maalula is a historic place where Aramaic – the language of Jesus Christ – is still widely spoken by the locals. 

Maalula, which means “entrance” in Aramaic has two important monasteries which contributed to the propagation of early Christianity: The St. Sergius and Bacchus monastery built during the fourth century A.D. and St. Tekla (or Teqla) monastery where both Christians and Moslems visit to pay homage and ask for blessings. 

Syria is indeed one unique country of astounding attractions: rock-strewn mountains and fertile plains, vast sun-drenched deserts, a rich heritage and beautiful beaches.  Indeed, to know Syria is to have knowledge of a legendary world.