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The gnocchi here get blanketed in a sugo with braised oxtail. — Cesare al Pellegrino

Romans insist you should feel the cracked peppercorns and cheese grains on your tongue. — Flavio al Velavevodetto

Tripe is fried to a crisp. — L’Osteria della Trippa

Pizza al taglio is done right here. — Fratelli Trecca

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The gnocchi here get blanketed in a sugo with braised oxtail. — Cesare al Pellegrino

Romans insist you should feel the cracked peppercorns and cheese grains on your tongue. — Flavio al Velavevodetto

Tripe is fried to a crisp. — L’Osteria della Trippa

Pizza al taglio is done right here. — Fratelli Trecca

View of the full general store from the second floor. — MoonPie General Store

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You don’t need to go to Turkey to see hundreds of hot air balloons rising. — Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.?

about 6 hours ago

Located in Indianola, Mississippi, Club Ebony hosted performances by blues legends like B.B. King. — How Club Ebony Helped Keep the Blues Alive in the Jim Crow South

about 6 hours ago

Our journey begins in Texas—more specifically in Big Bend National Park. — The Atlas Obscura (Audio) Guide to the National Parks

1 day ago

A 16,000-square foot greenhouse in downtown Toronto has rooms dedicated to a range of climates stocked with ecosystem-appropriate plants, flowers, and animals. — 10 Unexpected Places Where Creativity Shines in Toronto

1 day ago

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Syria

Damascus

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Damascus

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Damascus, Syria

Updated February 14, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Damascus

North Korean mural of former Syrian President Hafez al-Asad. (LeahC/Atlas Obscura)

Damascus, Syria

October War Panorama

3D war panorama in Damascus built with help from North Korea.

Umayyad Mosque courtyard

Damascus, Syria

Umayyad Mosque

Also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, this is one of the world's largest and oldest mosques.

Are we missing something unusual?

Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque

Set Zaynab, Syria

Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque

This ornate mosque is said to hold the remains of Muhammad's granddaughter beneath its dome of pure gold.

6 miles from Damascus

The Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah

Sednayah, Syria

Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah

One of the oldest monasteries in the world is a key pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians.

14 miles from Damascus

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