subject: Places to see before you die - The Middle East [print this page] Places to see before you die - The Middle East
Old Sana'a, Yemen.
Yemen's capital, rumoured to be founded by one of Noah's sons, is said to be the oldest inhabited city on earth. The houses are made of mud brick and are beautifully ornate; some said to be more than 400 years old. Coloured glass windows and intricate facades give this city a gingerbread village like quality, and the markets sell roasted locusts, dates and spices, fabrics and carpets, and other local produce. Currently a UNESCO heritage site, there are 103 mosques in the area, proving the fact that the city is one of the ancient religious hubs of the area.
Palmyra, Syria.
The ruins here are dotted across a 100 acre site and date back to the second century, where the city mirrored Rome in its majesty. Dubbed the City of Palms, it was a wealthy link between the Med and China, used for ferrying precious materials between the two. There are museums along the walkways stuffed with historical artefacts and mosaics that were found on the site of the ruins. The natural beauty here is added to by the fact there are no modern buildings in the vicinity.
"It is lovely and fantastic and unbelievable," enthused Agatha Christie, who penned Come, Tell Me How You Live while living in Syria.
Petra, Jordan.
The city of Petra is one of the wonders of the ancient world, and it's not difficult to see why. This once prosperous city, it was eroded by floods and winds and lay undiscovered until 1812.
Pack your Travel Insurancee, passport and travel guide, and get visiting!
