Aleppo

Aleppo has a great number of similarities to Damascus. They both have long histories, a wonderful example of an Umayyad Mosque, and a delightful old city. Aleppo, that much closer to neighbouring Turkey, has its own distinct flavour, though, with its mercantile background always in evidence. Its fortifications are most impressive, too; a highlight of a walk through this city is the citadel, a magnificent and imposing structure which boasts some of the finest views over the network of streets which comprise the old quarters.