Movie & TV Filming Locations in Damascus, Dimashq, Syria
1. Umayyad Mosque
Historic mosque that has been a filming location for movies like 'Kingdom of Heaven' and 'The Message'. Its stunning architecture makes it a unique backdrop for epic scenes.
- Iconic Architecture: Features elaborate Islamic design with impressive arches and intricate mosaics.
- Rich History: Dates back to the 7th century and is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world.
- Accessibility: Located in the heart of Old Damascus, making it easily accessible for visitors.
2. Old City Souks
Authentic marketplaces used as filming locations in 'Syriana' and 'Aladdin'. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Syrian trading while exploring these historic streets.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a unique opportunity to interact with local merchants and learn about traditional products.
- Historical Significance: Established in the 2nd century, these souks are among the oldest continuously operating markets in the world.
- Architectural Variety: Features a blend of architectural styles ranging from Ottoman to Mamluk era buildings.
3. Barbara Church
An ancient church used as a filming location in 'The Hiding Place'. Visit this unique blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural styles.
- Architectural Uniqueness: Features an unusual mixture of Christian crosses on its minaret and the crescent moon of Islam.
- Religious History: Originally built in the 4th century, it has been used as a church, mosque, and courthouse over the centuries.
- Accessibility: Located near the Umayyad Mosque and Old City Souks, making it easily accessible for visitors.
4. Khan As'ad Pasha
16th-century caravanserai used as a filming location in 'Lawrence of Arabia'. Explore its historic courtyard and see the intricate stonework.
- Historical Significance: Served as a resting place for traders and travelers on the Silk Road.
- Architectural Beauty: Features beautiful stone arches, courtyards, and intricate Islamic decorations.
- Cultural Events: Hosts various cultural events, such as art exhibitions and traditional music performances.
5. Palmyra Citadel
Ancient citadel used as a filming location in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. Marvel at its well-preserved ruins dating back to the 1st century.
- Archaeological Significance: Features impressive Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural styles.
- Historical Preservation: One of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Syria, showcasing the city's rich history.
- Accessibility: Located about 200 km northeast of Damascus, easily reachable by car or organized tours.
6. Saladin Citadel
Fortress used as a filming location in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Damascus and explore its historic halls.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of Damascus and the surrounding countryside.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the Crusader era, with additions made during the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.
- Military History: Has been a key military stronghold throughout Damascus' history.
7. Crac des Chevaliers
Knightly fortress used as a filming location in 'Kingdom of Heaven'. Visit this well-preserved Crusader castle with stunning views.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Considered one of the best-preserved and most impressive crusader castles.
- Military History: Features a complex system of defensive walls, towers, and hidden passages.
- Accessibility: Located about 100 km northeast of Homs, easily reachable by car or organized tours.
8. Qalaat Marqab
Ancient Crusader castle used as a filming location in 'The Saracen'. Explore its impressive ruins dating back to the 12th century.
- Archaeological Significance: Features well-preserved Crusader and Islamic architectural styles.
- Historical Preservation: One of the best-preserved Crusader castles in Syria.
- Accessibility: Located about 100 km northeast of Homs, easily reachable by car or organized tours.
9. Samaan Mosque
10th-century mosque used as a filming location in 'The Kingdom'. Admire its unique octagonal structure and intricate stonework.
- Architectural Masterpiece: One of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Umayyad architecture.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the 10th century, showcasing the early development of Islamic architectural styles.
- Accessibility: Located in Old Damascus, easily accessible for visitors.
10. Omayyad Palace Ruins
Palace ruins used as a filming location in 'The Message'. Explore the remnants of this grand palace built by the Umayyad caliphs.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the early Islamic period and showcases Umayyad architecture.
- Archaeological Interest: Offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Umayyad caliphate.
- Accessibility: Located near the Umayyad Mosque in Old Damascus, easily accessible for visitors.
11. Al-Hosn Castle
Ancient castle used as a filming location in 'The Mummy'. Explore its impressive ruins dating back to the 6th century BCE.
- Archaeological Significance: Features well-preserved remnants from various periods, including the Aramean, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.
- Historical Preservation: One of the best-preserved castles in Syria.
- Accessibility: Located about 50 km northwest of Palmyra, easily reachable by car or organized tours.
12. Kafer Qaraqir
Village used as a filming location in 'The Hiding Place'. Visit this charming Syrian village with its traditional stone houses and olive groves.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a glimpse into rural Syrian life.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush olive groves and picturesque countryside landscapes.
- Accessibility: Located about 50 km southwest of Homs, easily reachable by car or organized tours.
13. Seboua Church
Ancient church used as a filming location in 'The Hiding Place'. Visit this unique blend of Byzantine and Islamic architectural styles.
- Architectural Uniqueness: Features an unusual mixture of Christian crosses on its minaret and the crescent moon of Islam.
- Religious History: Originally built in the 5th century, it has been used as a church and mosque over the centuries.
- Accessibility: Located near Kafer Qaraqir, easily accessible for visitors on organized tours.
14. Khan Arna'ut
16th-century caravanserai used as a filming location in 'Lawrence of Arabia'. Explore its historic courtyard and see the intricate stonework.
- Historical Significance: Served as a resting place for traders and travelers on the Silk Road.
- Architectural Beauty: Features beautiful stone arches, courtyards, and intricate Islamic decorations.
- Cultural Events: Hosts various cultural events, such as art exhibitions and traditional music performances.
15. Salah al-Din's Castle (Qal'at Salah al-Din)
Ancient castle used as a filming location in 'The Mummy'. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Tadmur and explore its historic halls.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the Crusader era, with additions made during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods.
- Military History: Has been a key military stronghold throughout Tadmur's history.