For the first time, Syrians were allowed to enter the grounds of Bashar al-Assad's family's vast resort in Burj Islam.
The complex, which featured a white villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a private beach and gardens, was destroyed after the disgraced president fled.
While walking around the huge palace, the Syrians took the remaining furniture and decorations, Reuters emphasizes.
The Syrians, driven out of nearby villages, arrived in the area for the first time since the Assad family built it 50 years ago.
The land on which Assad's personal resort was built was previously an olive grove.
According to intelligence, Assad took his valuables out of the villa by sea in small boats.
After being ousted from power, the former Syrian president disappeared a week ago following a rebel offensive.
Assad flew out of Damascus without saying where he would be.
