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City in Aleppo Governorate, Syria
Photo: AndrewSyria, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Aleppo (حلب, Ḥalab) is one of the largest cities in Syria, with a population of over 2 million. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, it has a wealth of historical sites, and its old city is listed as a .
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On a hill in the centre of the city and is visible from almost anywhere. Usage of the Citadel hill dates back at least to the middle of the 3rd millennium BC, but the current structure dates from the 13th century. The citadel survived the fighting relatively intact and there are daily tours as of 2026.
With a total length of almost 13 kilometers, this used to be the largest souk in the world and had all of the shopping you could want to do from gold and silver, boxes, clothing, fabric and soap. Severely damaged during the civil war. A small part of the souk called al-Saqatiyah reopened in 2019. Bargaining is encouraged and if you know some Arabic it will get you a much better price.
Built in the Byzantine period, perhaps as early as the 9th century before BCE.
Built in 1898-99 and a symbol of the city.
الحديقة العامة بحلب
A 17 hectre public park, centrally located. Features a large number of sculptures and statues
خان الصابون
متحف حلب الوطني
Archaeological museum documenting the history of Syria, it was hit by missiles in 2016 and most artifacts evacuated. After extensive reparation, the museum re-opened in October 2019.
A beautiful mental hospital turned into a museum. Entrance is free and you can wander around and look at exhibits, which include old medical equipment, herbs, biographies of famous Arab scientists and other interesting artifacts. The main attractions, however, are the courtyard and two separate spaces reserved for the mentally ill.
بيت أجقباش في الجديدة
Housed in Beit Achiqbash, a prime example of an Aleppine courtyard mansion, built in the mid 18th century. Badly damaged during the Civil War this mansion has now been reconstructed and the museum has reopened.
جامع حلب الكبير
Also known as the Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo is the largest and one of the oldest mosques in Aleppo, built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Its minaret, dating back to 1090 along with other parts of the mosque was destroyed during the Syrian civil war in April 2013. Both the mosque and its minaret are to be rebuilt during the coming years.
Built in 1425.
Historical mosque, dating back to the Mamluk period. It was built in 1348 by Safi ad-Dine Jawhar al-Allani al-Tawashi and enlarged in 1537 by Saadallah bin Ali bin Osman al-Malati.
خانقاه الفرافرة
A former Sufi monastery, completed in 1244 AD.
جامع بانقوسا
Built in 1386 AD.
Armenian Evangelical church, built in 1937.
كاتدرائية القدّيِس الياس
Eastern Catholic (Maronite) church, built in 1873.
كنيسة القديس فرنسيس الأسيزي
Catholic church, built in 1937.
كنيسة مار آسيا الحكيم
Built in 1500.
كنيسة الأربعين شهيد
Armenian Apostolic church, first constructed in 1491.
كنيسة رقاد السيدة العذراء
Greek Orthodox church built during the first half of the 15th century.
Syriac Orthodox cathedral, built in 1926.
كاتدرائية سيدة الانتقال
Main cathedral of the Syriac Catholic Church in Aleppo. An imposing modernist structure built in 1970.
كاتدرائية القديس يوسف
Seat of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Aleppo, built in 1972.
Having been around since 1885, Haj Abdo is considered the best parlor of ful - a stew of cooked fava beans - in town.
Cafe and restaurant featuring a Swimming pool with a sitting table around the pool and outdoors bar under the sunshine.
Cafe and restaurant featuring a rerrace with views over the Aleppo Citadel.
A particularly good choice. It has a beautiful courtyard and their shish kebab in cherry sauce is out of this world!
مطعم و كافتيريا العطار
Popular café with magnificent views over the entrance of Aleppo citadel.
Located in the middle of the city centre. Ten minutes walk to the city centre, and 5 minutes by car to the old souks. Free WiFi internet access in all around the hotel with high speed line. Laundry and pressing service. Airport pick-up and drop-off service.
Reopened in 2018, this is the most luxurious hotel available in Aleppo. Despite its name, the hotel is not part of the Sheraton hotel chain.
Riga Palace Hotel is a family-owned four-star hotel in the heart of Aleppo. The hotel features 136 rooms and suites across nine floors, offering views of both the historic old city and the modern districts of Aleppo, including the famous Citadel of Aleppo. It is located within a short walk of the Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower and around 15 minutes on foot from the citadel. Facilities include a health center, gym, and a range of guest services such as car rental and tour arrangements.
A colonial throwback - the hotel opened in 1909 - whose former guests include Agatha Christie (who wrote much of Murder on the Orient Express here), T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), Ataturk and Teddy Roosevelt. During latter years the hotel developed the charm of a place that had seen better days. Residents and visitors alike also took the effort to pop into the bar to have a drink and marvel a showpiece at a bygone era. Bombarded during the civil war and forced to close in 2014, it is as of 2017 unclear if and when this historic hotel will reopen.
A great small boutique hotel in the Christian quarter. Renovated old building with a nice courtyard. The restaurant is very good but a bit touristy.
Very centrally located close to the citadel and old Christian quarter, one minute away from the museum. A three-star, deluxe hotel. Very comfortable and well-furnished 28 rooms and 8 suites, a street side cafeteria (Down Town Cafe), an open terrace restaurant (The Green Roof), a gift shop, a news-stand and internet access.
By plane
Flights operate to major regional cities including Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait City, Amman, and Jeddah.
By train
All long distance trains, including international trains, are cancelled indefinitely.
Taxis are everywhere, probably more taxis than people. They are easy to take and very affordable but just make sure it is a licensed taxi.
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Aleppo · International · ALP
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