UNESCO World Heritage · 1980 · Tadmur, Homs Governorate
Site of Palmyra
تدمر
34.5562° N · 38.2698° E“The bride of the desert.”
- Category
- UNESCO
- Era
- 1st–3rd century CE
- Location
- Tadmur, Homs Governorate
- UNESCO
- Inscribed 1980
Overview
Significance
Notable Features
- Temple of Bel (32 CE)
- Roman Colonnade
- Ancient Theatre
- Valley of the Tombs
- Palmyra Castle (Qala'at Ibn Maan)
- Archaeological Museum
Major Attractions
Temple of Bel
The cella was destroyed in 2015; the monumental gateway and parts of the temenos wall survive as poignant fragments of the 1st-century sanctuary.
Great Colonnade
Palmyra's main avenue, a 1.1 km columned street linking the Temple of Bel to the funerary temple at the western end.
Roman Theatre
2nd-century theatre with a remarkably intact scaenae frons opening onto a circular plaza.
Valley of the Tombs
Tower tombs and hypogea of Palmyra's merchant families, decorated with the painted limestone portraits that defined Palmyrene art.
Qala'at Ibn Maan
A 13th-century Arab citadel on the ridge above the city — the iconic sunset viewpoint over the ruins.
Visitor Tips
- Access has been restricted since 2015; always confirm current security and routes before travel.
- Bring everything you need (water, food, fuel) from Homs — Tadmur services are limited.
- Sunrise and sunset are the only tolerable times for photography in summer.
What to Eat Nearby
Mansaf
Bedouin lamb-and-jameed dish, the desert table's centrepiece.
Lamb Ouzi
Whole stuffed lamb roasted in a sealed clay oven for festive Bedouin meals.
Cardamom Coffee
Pale, bitter Bedouin coffee served in small cups as the desert greeting.
Where to Stay
Homs base
RecommendedMost visitors currently base in Homs (2.5 hr) and visit on a long day trip as conditions allow.
Zenobia Hotel
Historic / closedFamed 1900 hotel by Howard Crane on the colonnade — damaged and not regularly operating.