UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria

There are 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria. All of these sites are cultural:

Syria UNESCO Sites Placeholder
Syria UNESCO Sites

  • Ancient City of Aleppo (1986)
  • Ancient City of Bosra (1980)
  • Ancient City of Damascus (1979)
  • Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (2011)
  • Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (2006)
  • Site of Palmyra (1980)

Ancient City of Aleppo (1986)

The Ancient City of Aleppo is one of the cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria. It was inscribed in 1983 but was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger since 2013. Located in Aleppo in Syria, the protected area contains the Citadel of Aleppo and the Al-Madina Souq. The entire UNESCO site spans a total land area of 364 hectares.

This city was recognized by UNESCO because this ancient city has remained largely intact since it was established in the 12th century and until its political reign in the 16th century. There are several districts that make up this UNESCO site and they all have different characteristics to them. Some of the notable buildings and structures that are found in this city include medieval buildings, covered souqs, narrow alleys, caravanserais, and large mansions.

Ancient City of Bosra (1980)

The Ancient City of Bosra was inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria in 1980. It is also a cultural site that experienced its massive growth by the time of the Romans. Bosra was the seat of the archbishop during the Byzantine period. However, it was the first Byzantine city to fall to the Arab Muslims. However, the period of importance for this city as a trade and pilgrimage route made it of cultural significance. Like the Ancient City of Aleppo, it is also a World Heritage Site in Danger.

Ancient City of Damascus (1979)

The Ancient City of Damascus is the third ancient city to be listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria. It is also the capital and largest city in Syria. Aside from its recognition as one of the oldest inhabited cities in thew world, Damascus is also known as a cultural center in the Arab world.

Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (2011)

This UNESCO site aims to protect and preserve the remains of a rural society, which traces its origin to the late antiquity and early Christianity. The ruins of several monuments such as basilicas, bathouses, pilgrim dwellings, residential areas, Roman tombs, temples, and inns are among the ruins that are left behind in these villages. Most of the inhabitants in the area converted to Christianity following the path of the hermits that drew a lot of pilgrims to the site. It was inscribed in 2011 and is currently known as one of the World Heritage Sites in Danger.

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (2006)

This cultural UNESCO site in Syria consists of a secular structure and military fortifications. Inscribed in 2006, it is also among the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger. According to UNESCO, this site is the most significant example of fortresses that were built during the Crusader period that remains until today. It served as the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller while in Syria.

Site of Palmyra (1980)

Completing the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Syria is the Site of Palmyra. This site is currently managed by the Syrian Ministry of Culture. It was designated as a UNESCO site in 1980 but has since been known as an Endangered site since 2003. It was founded in the 2nd millennium BC but was abandoned in 1932. Hence, it has survived various periods from the Middle Bronze Age to the modern times. It also fell under the rule of various civilizations such as the Arabic, Aramaic, and Greco-Romans.