Question · About the country
What is Syria famous for?
The short answer
Historically, for Damascus and Aleppo, two of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth; Palmyra, the desert city that challenged Rome; the first known alphabet, found at Ugarit; Krak des Chevaliers, the finest surviving Crusader castle; and the Dead Cities. For making things: Damascus steel, Damask fabric, and Aleppo soap. Culturally: Arabic poetry, the Aleppine musical tradition, and a standard of hospitality visitors describe as unlike anywhere else.
5 min read Last reviewed September 2026 Part of the History pillar
Quick facts
- UNESCO World Heritage sites: six
- Oldest cities: Damascus and Aleppo
- First alphabet: found at Ugarit, on the coast
- Best-known castle: Krak des Chevaliers
- Famous exports: Damascus steel, Damask fabric, Aleppo soap
- Visitors before 2011: over eight million a year
Go deeper
The full guides
Last reviewed September 2026. Site access varies: some of the places named here are fully open to visitors, others are open in part or require a guide. Check the archaeology and destination pages for current status.