Mount Qasioun
The mountain north of Damascus and the viewpoint that fits the whole city in one frame. Half an hour from the centre. When to go up, late afternoon or night.
- Opening hours
- Open area, all day
- Entry
- Free
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Best time
- Late afternoon or night — two different views
- Address
- North of the city, Damascus
You only understand the shape of Damascus from up here. The city starts at the foot of Qasioun and spreads across the plain. From above that spread reads as a single plane: the dense weave of the old city in the middle, newer districts around it, the green of the Ghouta in the distance.
Getting there
North of the city; half an hour by car from the centre. The road climbs in switchbacks along the slope and there are several viewpoints along the ridge — the busiest is the first one you reach, and it is worth carrying on a little further.
When to go up
Two different hours, two different views. Late afternoon: as the sun drops west the buildings throw long shadows and the green of the Ghouta is sharp. At night: the same spread appears as light instead, and the tight weave of the old city shows in the density of it.
Take care
The ridge is windy and cool in the evening — a light layer helps even in summer. There are coffee houses at the viewpoints; the crowd starts in the late afternoon.
Tips
- The first viewpoint you reach is the busiest; carry on a little
- The ridge is windy and cool in the evening — take a layer even in summer
- For the night view wait for full dark; at dusk you get half of each