Ancient City (Old City)

The Ancient City of Damascus is the historic walled heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Enclosed by Roman-era walls, it contains the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel, Straight Street (Via Recta), ancient gates such as Bab Touma and Bab Sharqi, historic khans, souks including Al-Hamidiyah, and centuries-old courtyard houses. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban cores in the world.

The Old City has a population of approximately 24,721 and remains a living neighbourhood where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities have coexisted for centuries. Its narrow alleys, traditional houses, churches, mosques, and markets make it the cultural and historical centre of Damascus.