Azm Palace, Damascus — the Finest Damascene House (Visitor Guide)

Azm Palace is the finest example of the Damascene house — a palace built by Asaad Pasha al-Azm, the Ottoman governor of Damascus, around 1750. Deep in the Old City near the Umayyad Mosque and the Al-Buzuriyah souk, it hides its beauty inward, like every Damascene house. Here's what to see and how to visit.

What makes it special

• Ablaq stone — alternating courses of black and white/golden stone, the signature of Damascene architecture.
• Courtyards and fountains — open inner courts with fountains and citrus trees, directly under the sky.
• Two sections — the haramlik (the family's private quarters) and the salamlik (for receiving guests), each with its own courtyard.
• Carved wooden ceilings and fine Damascene ornament throughout.

The Museum of Popular Traditions

Today the palace is the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions — tableaux with figures bring old Damascene life to life: a wedding, a bath, a school, the crafts. So you see the house and meet the life of its people in one visit.

How long you need

One to two hours, and it makes sense to combine it with the Al-Hamidiyah souq and the Umayyad Mosque in one Old City walk. Ask about opening and access before you go.

We'll get you there

A car with driver in Damascus takes you to the edges of the Old City (walked on foot inside), waits, and brings you back — or join a guided Damascus Old City tour.

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Read more: the Umayyad Mosque · Al-Hamidiyah souq · Damascus Old City tour · Damascus travel guide

In Arabic: قصر العظم

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.