Syria: Damascus – Azem Palace
Right in the heart of the old town of Damascus and next to the grand mosque is the 18th century Azem Palace built by the then governor of Damascus – Assad Pasha al-Azem. It is meant to represent the cream of the crop of the traditional 18th century Damascene architecture – the buildings are very highly decorated with the use of different color (natural color) of marble, limestone, sandstone, basalt rock, and diverse construction materials. The interior is also lavish with most still being preserved as the national culture museum. Scenes from 18th century life are re-enacted inside. And of course we were the only foreign tourists, so had the whole palace to ourselves!
