Syria's second city has a long history, which has bequeathed it a fascinating array of ancient monuments. At the heart of the old city lies the forbiddingly austere medieval citadel, built on a mound 38m high during Ayubid and Mameluke times (12th and 13th centuries). The entrance is over an arched, stone bridge and through the formidable towered gateway. Inside the citadel one can visit the Ayyubid Palace, the palace baths, a throne room and two mosques.

Aleppo also boasts the Great Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, founded in 715 by the Caliph Al-Walidi. In it's outer wall, rises a massive square minaret of over 45 metres in height, a fine example of Seljuk architecture dating from the 11th century. The Aleppo National Museum is of great interest to those interested in archaeology while for those whose tastes run more towards shopping, a pleasant day can be spent in the famous souks of Aleppo, which consist of miles of covered labyrinthine passageways with traders selling an incredible array of goods: food, spices, textiles, household goods, leather, gold and silver.

Aleppo is a good base for a variety of day trips to such places as St. Simeon's Monastery, the archaeological site of Ebla and the Dead Cities dating from Byzantine times.