"Syria's second city - unique and... " a Aleppo Travel Page by TheWanderingCamel

Sited as it is at the hub of the vast Aleppine plain, Aleppo is a fascinating, vibrant city that also serves as an excellent base from which to explore the northern areas of Syria. With its labrynthine souqs, hushed alleys of the Jdeide (Christian) Quarter, minarets and church towers, streets lined with overhanging Ottoman balconies, cemeteries and parks, whizzing traffic and busy squares, all dominated by the great Citadel sitting high on its glacis, this is a city that will linger in the mind long after the leaving.

Whichever way you head out of Aleppo, the road will lead you somewhere new and interesting. North will take you towards the Turkish border, over Roman bridges and on to lonely Cyrrhus. Head east and you will reach the mighty Euphrates. Right out on the western border there is the great 5th Century basilica at Qalb Lozeh and going south you will find the deserted villas and towns, monasteries and tombs of long-departed Byzantines known as the Dead Cities.
Whichever way you go, there will be miles and miles of olive groves, pomegranate orchards and the sweeping vistas of this rich region.

Days spent exploring out in the countryside are followed by evenings spent in the city, watching the crowds busy with their evening errands, meeting people, drinks in the bar at the famous Baron Hotel or perhaps in the little cellar bar at the Beit Wakil, lingering over delicious meals (Aleppine cuisine is considered the best in Syria) - feeling the pulse of this magic city.
Time spent here is never enough - you will want to return, and return again.

leyle