“Ancient Emesa — gateway between coast and desert.”
- Province
- Homs Governorate
- Population
- ~750,000
- Climate
- Semi-arid; cool sea breezes through the Homs Gap.
- Best Time
- April–June and September–November.
Today's weather — Homs
Overview
History
Highlights
- Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
- Old City of Homs
- Crac des Chevaliers (1h west)
- Lake Qattinah
- Industrial heritage quarter
Major Attractions
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Late-Ottoman mosque in striped basalt and limestone (1908) housing the tomb of the 7th-century Muslim general Khalid ibn al-Walid; a major pilgrimage destination.
Old City of Homs
Densely-built historic core of churches (Umm al-Zinnar — the 'Church of the Holy Belt'), mosques, hammams, and the covered souq.
Umm al-Zinnar Church
Syriac Orthodox church traditionally holding a relic of the Virgin Mary's belt; its 1st–4th century crypt is one of the oldest church spaces in the world.
Krak des Chevaliers
An hour west of the city — the world's best-preserved Crusader castle, UNESCO inscribed.
Lake Qattinah
Roman-era reservoir built by Diocletian, now a calm lakeside escape rimmed by reed beds and birdlife.
Citadel of Homs
A massive earthen tell on the city's south side, with Mamluk and Ayyubid fortifications still tracing the summit.
Traveller Tips
- Use Homs as a base for day trips to Crac des Chevaliers, Tartus, and Palmyra.
- Public minibuses (servees) run frequently west to the coast and north to Hama.
- Many neighbourhoods are under active reconstruction; respect closed-off zones and ask locally before photographing.
What to Eat
Batarsh
Smoky eggplant purée whipped with tahini, garlic, and lemon — Homs's distinctive cousin of baba ghanoush.
Kibbeh bil-Saniyeh
Baked tray of bulgur and minced lamb layered with pine-nut filling and brushed with olive oil.
Halawet el-Jibn
Sweet cheese dough rolled around ashta cream and drizzled with rose syrup — though Hama claims it, Homs makes a celebrated version.
Other local flavours: Batarsh (eggplant) · Stuffed kibbeh · Halawet el-jibn
Where to Stay
Safir Homs Hotel
Business hotelReliable mid-range hotel in the new city with restaurant and parking.
Grand Basman Hotel
Business hotelCentral business-class option near the main commercial streets.
Al-Qasr Hotel
Mid-rangeSimple, central, walking distance to the souq and Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque.
Dalil Crafts