Discover Syria: Cradle of Civilisation & the Land of Olives
Syria, the beating heart of the Levant, is a land of extraordinary historical depth and cultural richness. Home to some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, magnificent Islamic architecture, and sweeping landscapes from the Mediterranean coast to the Euphrates Valley, Syria has been a crossroads of civilisation for over 8,000 years. Damascus, the capital, is widely regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, while Aleppo’s medieval souks and citadel once formed the commercial hub of the Silk Road. Beyond its monumental heritage, Syria is the ancestral home of the olive tree — a land where olive cultivation has flourished for millennia and where the world-renowned Souri olive cultivar produces some of the finest, most sought-after olive oil on the planet.
Culture, Heritage & the Olive
Syria’s cultural heritage is one of the world’s most remarkable. It is home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Damascus with its magnificent Umayyad Mosque, the medieval Aleppo Citadel and its vast covered souks, the breathtaking Roman ruins of Palmyra rising from the Syrian desert, and the Krak des Chevaliers, one of the finest preserved Crusader castles on earth. But perhaps Syria’s most enduring contribution to Mediterranean civilisation is the humble olive tree. Cultivated in Syria for over 6,000 years, the olive is deeply woven into Syrian identity, agriculture, cuisine, and economy. The country is home to the extraordinary Souri olive cultivar (also known as the Syrian olive), a variety originating in the ancient olive groves of northern Syria. The Souri olive produces a remarkably fragrant, peppery, and intensely flavorful extra virgin olive oil that is highly sought after by chefs, connoisseurs, and olive oil enthusiasts worldwide. Syrian olive oil is prized for its low acidity, vibrant green hue, and complex notes of grass, artichoke, and almond — qualities that make it one of the finest olive oils in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Is Syria Safe to Travel?
Syria has faced immense challenges in recent years, and travellers must carefully evaluate the current security situation before planning a visit. However, the Syrian people are among the most hospitable in the world, with a deep cultural tradition of welcoming guests. Before the conflict, Syria was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East, treasured for its archaeological wonders, vibrant souks, and extraordinary cuisine. Certain areas of the country are more accessible than others, and it is essential to check current travel advisories, use authorised guides, and plan meticulously. For those able to visit, Syria offers an unparalleled journey through history — from the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Palmyra, and the ancient olive groves that have sustained Syrian communities for thousands of years. The resilience, warmth, and pride of the Syrian people remain undimmed.
Fascinating Cities to Explore
Damascus
The oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Damascus is a living museum of civilisation. Its crown jewel is the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, housing the shrine of John the Baptist. The Old City’s labyrinthine souks, the Azem Palace, and the Straight Street mentioned in the Bible make Damascus an unforgettable destination.
Aleppo
For centuries, Aleppo was the commercial heart of the Silk Road. Its magnificent medieval citadel, towering above the city, and the vast covered souks once formed a thriving trading hub. Famous for its soap made from laurel oil and olive oil, Aleppo’s culinary heritage — including its legendary kibbeh and the sweet pastry known as Aleppo pistachio baklava — is celebrated throughout the Middle East.
Palmyra
In the heart of the Syrian desert, Palmyra rose as one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient world. Its magnificent colonnaded streets, Temple of Bel, and Roman theatre were once the envy of the Roman Empire. Despite the destruction it has suffered, Palmyra’s haunting beauty and the spirit of Queen Zenobia who once ruled here continue to captivate the world.
Krak des Chevaliers
One of the most magnificent Crusader castles ever built, Krak des Chevaliers is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Perched on a hilltop with commanding views of the surrounding countryside, this formidable fortress withstood numerous sieges and remains one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world.
Syria is a country of profound historical resonance and enduring beauty. From the ancient olive groves that have yielded their precious fruit for over 6,000 years — producing the legendary Souri olive oil coveted by tables around the world — to the majestic ruins of Palmyra and the living tapestry of Damascus’s Old City, Syria represents an irreplaceable chapter in the story of human civilisation. The warmth of Syrian hospitality, the richness of its culinary traditions, and the resilience of its people remain undimmed. For those with the opportunity to experience it, Syria offers a journey into the very soul of the Mediterranean world.