Holiday in Aleppo

What makes Aleppo special as a destination?

Aleppo (Arabic: Halab) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 8,000 years. Before the civil war devastated the city in 2012, Aleppo was Syria's largest city, an economic hub, and one of the most significant cultural metropolises in the Middle East. The old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The Citadel of Aleppo, a powerful fortress on a 50-meter-high hill in the heart of the city, is among the oldest and largest castles in the world. Its history dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, and its current form originates from the Ayyubid period (12th-13th century). Despite war damage, the citadel still stands as an impressive monument. The historic souk of Aleppo was the longest covered market in the world, with over 13 kilometers of covered alleys — a labyrinthine network of hundreds of shops offering spices, soap, textiles, and crafts. Large parts of the souk were destroyed in the war, but reconstruction is progressing with international support. The Great Mosque of the Umayyads (al-Jami al-Kabir), founded in the 8th century, had a unique minaret from the 11th century, which was destroyed in 2013. Reconstruction under UNESCO supervision is underway. The historical khans (caravanserais) like Khan al-Wazir testify to Aleppo's role as a central station on the Silk Road. Note: Aleppo is recovering after years of war. Many historical sites are damaged, and reconstruction is ongoing. The security situation should be thoroughly checked before traveling. Despite the destruction, the city shows remarkable resilience, and the population is working on rebuilding their cultural heritage.