Visit Al-Bara, Bosra, Chapel of St. Paul (Bab Kisan), Damascus and Church of St. Simeon, Syria amongst others if you want to experience the religious flavours of Syria.  One of the most important religious sites of Syria is Umayyad Mosque. Situated in the city of Damascus, this is also the capital city of this country, this mosque was built in AD 705 commissioned by the then caliph Khaled ibn al-Walid. As he dreamt of it, this beautiful mosque is one of the earliest Islamic imperial buildings. This mosque houses the shrine of Hussein who was son of Ali and also grandson of the Prophet, which is why this place attracts thousands of Shiite pilgrims each year.  The Mausoleum of Saladin is also here, who is widely respected as one of the greatest heroes found in the Arab history. This mausoleum was built in 1193. Tourists upon entering this mosque, have to pay some fees and wear special clothes; women are especially required to wear grey robes covering their heads.