Restoration Story

The political situation has allowed the relaunch of this popular programme across the Levant, where flights now permit a more convenient itinerary flying into Damascus and out of Beirut. Since the time of the Phoenicians, the varied history of the Levant has seen the influence of Europe, Asia and Africa overlaid creating a fascinating archaeological and cultural heritage. Clashes between the Hittites and Egyptians, Romans and Persians, Crusaders and the Arab dynasties, Mamelukes and Ottomans have all left their mark. Recent excavations at the site of the Citadel in Aleppo reveal traces of civilisations as far back as the Hittites underneath Roman, Byzantine and Arabic remains.

Whilst earlier restoration in Syria included some arguably misguided reconstruction, the focus today has shifted to using original materials to prevent further decay. Indeed the company of our local representative in Aleppo has been involved with the restoration of the Citadel itself, the castle Qala’at Salah ad-Din and old Damascene and Aleppo houses. Its manager, who received an award for his work in the saving of the Old City of Aleppo, recently delivered a lecture on ‘Old Aleppo’ at the Royal Geographical Society at the behest of the British Syrian Society and his guides are particularly well-versed in this subject.

In Beirut the pressing need to restore the central zone has restricted exploration of the Roman remains below the city uncovered during the restoration process. It has nonetheless recreated a thriving metropolis with an attractive downtown area that is in radical contrast to the well-preserved Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Crusader remains at Byblos and the evocative temple of Baalbeck, the ‘Sun City’ of the ancient world and considered the most impressive and important Roman site of the Middle East. The richness of this itinerary is reflected in the fact that it includes no fewer than five sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list: Palmyra, Baalbeck, Byblos and the ancient cities of Aleppo and Damascus.

VJV Special Event  - Dining in the Old Town

In Damascus and Aleppo, we have arranged a special dinner with music and dance in a traditional house, which is now a restaurant (with one ‘Whirling Dervish’ performance).