This also stands at the heart of the Old City, on the southern side of the
Omayyad Mosque, and very close to it. It is an astonishing example of a
Damascene house, where the simple, almost primitive, exterior contrasts rather
sharply with the beauty and sophistication of the interior.
Here one finds a sense of space, a wealth of polychrome stone, splendid marble,
cascading fountains, and fragrant flowers.
![](https://nayatours.net/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/azem-palace-1-1.jpg)
The palace was built in the mid-eighteenth century for the Governor of
Damascus. The palace now houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.
![](https://nayatours.net/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/azem-palace-2.jpg)