Umayyad Mosque, Damascus (must see)
The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus or formerly the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. It is considered the fourth-holiest place in Islam.
After the Arab conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist (Yahya). The mosque holds a shrine which today may still contain the head of John the Baptist, honored as a prophet by both Christians and Muslims alike, and the place where Isa (Jesus) will return at the End of Days. The tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque.
After the Arab conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist (Yahya). The mosque holds a shrine which today may still contain the head of John the Baptist, honored as a prophet by both Christians and Muslims alike, and the place where Isa (Jesus) will return at the End of Days. The tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Umayyad Mosque on Map
Sight Name: Umayyad Mosque
Sight Location: Damascus, Syria (See walking tours in Damascus)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Damascus, Syria (See walking tours in Damascus)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Damascus, Syria
Create Your Own Walk in Damascus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Damascus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Damascus Introduction Walking Tour
Damascus is the capital and currently the largest city of Syria, commonly referred to by the locals as “ash-Sham” and nicknamed “the City of Jasmine.” Today the city represents a blend of modern and ancient architecture, in which the latter is very carefully preserved and respected. Follow this orientation walk to explore some of the key historic sights of centuries-old Damascus.
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Old Damascus Landmarks Tour
Old Damascus has many precious historic landmarks that are full of mystery. The following self-guided tour will lead you to Damascus’ most amazing landmarks.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles