Damascus, in southwestern Syria, is widely believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Its historical importance has led to the Old City's designation as a World Heritage Site.

Westerners are perhaps best familiar with Damascus in relation to the Apostle Paul, who was baptized by Ananias on Straight Street.

Acts 21: 1

1After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria.