Palmyra

Overview

Set in the Syrian Desert between the Mediterranean coast and the Euphrates, Palmyra (Tadmur) is the spectacular ruin of a caravan city that briefly rivalled Rome under Queen Zenobia in the third century CE.

History

Palmyra flourished as a trade hub from the 1st to 3rd century CE, fusing Greco-Roman, Persian, and local Semitic art. Zenobia's revolt against Rome in 270 CE led to the city's sacking by Aurelian. UNESCO inscribed the site in 1980; significant damage occurred between 2015 and 2017.

Highlights

• 01Temple of Bel
• 02Great Colonnade
• 03Roman Theatre
• 04Valley of the Tombs
• 05Palmyra Castle (Qala'at Ibn Maan)
• 06Palmyra Archaeological Museum

Major Attractions

• 01

  Temple of Bel

  The largest religious building of 1st-century CE Roman Syria, dedicated to the Palmyrene supreme god Bel. The cella was destroyed in 2015; the monumental gate survives.

• 02

  Great Colonnade

  A 1.1 km columned avenue that formed Palmyra's main street, lined with bracket statues of leading merchant families on each column shaft.

• 03

  Roman Theatre

  A 2nd-century theatre with an unusually well-preserved scaenae frons opening onto a circular plaza at the heart of the city.

• 04

  Tetrapylon

  A four-pillar monument marking a bend in the colonnade — partially rebuilt after damage.

• 05

  Valley of the Tombs

  Necropolis of multi-storey tower tombs and underground hypogea decorated with painted portraits — the foundation of Palmyrene portrait art.

• 06

  Qala'at Ibn Maan

  A 13th-century Arab castle on the ridge overlooking the ruins — the classic sunset viewpoint over the colonnade.

• 07

  Palmyra Museum

  Houses the surviving funerary busts, mummies of priests, and the Palmyrene tariff inscriptions; partially restored after 2017.

Traveller Tips

• ›Access to Palmyra has been restricted since 2015 and conditions evolve — always confirm with current advisories and local guides before travel.
• ›Visit at dawn or dusk for the warm light on the limestone colonnades and to avoid the desert heat.
• ›Nights are bitterly cold in winter — pack a heavy jacket even in March.
• ›Bring water from Homs; supplies in Tadmur are limited.

What to Eat

• Bedouin Mansaf

  Lamb on rice with jameed yogurt sauce — the desert version is fattier and richer than the Hauran's.

• Lamb Ouzi

  Whole stuffed lamb baked in a sealed clay oven, traditionally served at desert feasts.

• Cardamom Coffee

  Pale, lightly bitter Bedouin coffee served in small handle-less cups as a welcome gesture.

• Dates with Camel Milk

  The two staples of desert hospitality, often offered together.

Other local flavours: Bedouin mansaf · Lamb ouzi · Date sweets · Cardamom coffee

Where to Stay

• Pre-2011 Heritage Hotels

  Currently closed

  The famed Zenobia Hotel and Dedeman were the historic options; both were damaged and are not operating regularly.

• Homs as a base

  Recommended base

  Most visitors currently base in Homs (2.5 hr drive) and visit Palmyra as a long day trip when access permits.