Syria’s old cities and rural areas hold a unique architectural heritage that reflects humanity’s interaction with the environment, time, and belief systems. Historical buildings in Syria are not merely structures of stone and clay; they are architectural texts narrating the journey of a people and their culture over centuries. From fortified castles to ornately decorated Damascene houses, and from mosques and schools to khans and baths, these buildings form a cohesive landscape showcasing the genius of Syrian architecture.

Citadel of Al-Hosn, the Umayyad Mosque, Azm Palace, Aleppo Citadel, and the arcades of Madhat Pasha Bazaar… these are living examples of a rich heritage that has preserved its identity over time. Each building bears the marks of successive civilizations that interacted and created a distinctive architectural style blending beauty, functionality, and spirit.

The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums strives to protect these monuments from threats—whether neglect, encroachments, or conflicts—through precise restoration projects, continuous documentation, and by utilizing these buildings as cultural spaces that enhance national identity and revive collective memory.