Unseen behind the high walls within the Old City are hundreds of delightful houses built around courtyards and featuring their own elaborate decoration. Unfortunately, many of these treasures are in a sad state of disrepair, but a loop off Straight St takes in several examples, all of which have benefited from renovation.
Just a few steps away from Khan Süleiman Pasha, Beit al-Aqqad was formerly the home of a wealthy family of textile merchants. It now houses the Danish Institute in Damascus. Visitors are welcome to come in and look at the courtyard, which is graced by a massive expanse of gorgeous inlaid-stone decoration.
