From that region and during the Roman-Byzantine period, wine and oil were exported to many parts of these Empires. Then it became the centre of attraction for visitors from all Europe to venerate Saint Simeon, the Stylite. This region attracts visitors who are interested in arts and archaeology.
It is also know for its Dead Cities where there are more than six hundred archeological sites: grand tombs, churches, monasteries, cells and beautiful country houses. In this region, stony villages spread all over the area forming a fascinating scene. Some important villages:
Al Bara, Serjilah, Qalb Lozeh, Aqraba, Nubul, Sita monastery.

Aleppo:
This city is distinguished by its oriental character. It is situated between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates where the most important caravans passed heading to the four corners of the world. It was the capital of the Amorite "Yemhad Kingdom" in the third millennium B.C.
It was conquered, built and destroyed many times by a lot of invaders. The city is surrounded by towers and walls and it is one of the oldest & most beautiful inhabited cities in the world. Aleppo's citadel, which overlooks the city, is a magnificent symbol of the Arabian military architecture, a witness of the great past of the city.
Tens of kingdoms of covered souqs run through the old city. The new quarters of Aleppo are well built and surrounded by nice gardens. Aleppo is a renowned among other Syrian big cities by its delicious food and the art of good cooking. It is also the home of oriental music where the famous Quddod emerged. This kind of Music is still admired all over the Arab world.

Ebla:
Established in the third millennium B.C. Ebla became the most important political and cultural center in Syria between 2400-2300 B.C., which provoked the jealousy of Sarrgun so he destroyed it. Soon afterwards, it was rebuilt once again and regained its strength between 2000-1800 B.C.
There are thousands of cuneiform tablets besides the temples, palaces and the fine sculptures which are living evidences of its great civilization.

Saint Simeon Monastery:
15 centuries ago, Emperor Zenon built this important cathedral to honor Saint Simeon who lived 40 years on a pillar preaching his students. This church is an example of the beauty attained by the Syrian architecture and was imitated in Europe three centuries later.