Like a volcanic island emerging from the centre of the city, Aleppo’s citadel and its ramparts stand atop the ancient tell. The slopes of the hill have a glacis and ditch (today dry), reinforcing the site’s natural defences. Access to the fortress is through a remarkable entrance bastion beyond which lie a series of little streets and stairways leading to ochre-stone buildings. Mosques, ancient reservoir, hammam, Ayyubid palace… all worthy of attention, especially the sumptuous throne room.