The 2,000-year-old Roman Via Recta runs the entire length of the Old City. A Roman archway marks the halfway point; east of it the Christian quarter begins. The street is also the main car thoroughfare, so it can be noisy, but the neighbourhoods on either side are full of quieter discoveries. Near Bab Sharqi, look for the Nassan Palace, an opulent home-turned-museum, and a short walk north the Chapel of Ananias, set in a cellar where tradition says Saul of Tarsus regained his sight and became St Paul.
Street Called Straight (Via Recta)
Ancient Roman road bisecting Damascus's Old City for 2,000 years