Ancient Roman temples rise from Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, with massive stone columns and intricate carvings dating to 2nd century AD. A UNESCO site preserving Rome's architectural legacy.
In Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, you can walk among 20-meter-high Roman columns at Baalbek's Temple of Jupiter, examine intricate stone carvings at the Temple of Bacchus, or pray at the Great Umayyad Mosque. Visit the underground tunnels housing archaeological finds, or watch an opera performance amid ancient ruins during the summer festival.
The Roman Temple Complex
Six columns of the Temple of Jupiter rise 20 meters into the sky. When you enter through the propylaea, you'll pass through a hexagonal forecourt before reaching the rectangular main court, which stretches 343 feet in length. Look for the detailed carvings in the exedrae around the main court - 84 granite columns from Aswan, Egypt once lined these walls. In the Temple of Bacchus, you'll find well-preserved stone carvings depicting Bacchic figures and agricultural symbols.
The Baalbek Stones
The site contains some of the largest stone blocks used in ancient construction. Look for the Trilithon - three massive stones weighing about 800 tonnes each - in the Temple of Jupiter's podium wall. Walk to the nearby quarry to see even larger monoliths: the Stone of the Pregnant Woman and the Stone of the South. These blocks weigh up to 1,000 tonnes each and show how Roman builders moved and placed such massive stones.
Getting to Baalbek
Drive from Beirut to Baalbek in about 50 minutes via the Zahlé-Baalbek Highway. The site lies 67 kilometers northeast of Beirut at 1,150 meters above sea level. The complex stays open daily. Plan your visit during spring or fall for mild temperatures while exploring the ruins.
The Baalbek International Festival
In summer, the temple complex becomes a stage for the Baalbek International Festival. Watch opera performances, orchestras, and theater productions against a backdrop of lit Roman columns. While regional conflicts have sometimes interrupted the festival, it remains an important cultural event in Lebanon.
Modern Baalbek
About 85,000 people live in the city surrounding the archaeological site, which serves as the capital of the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. The population includes Shia Muslim, Sunni Muslim, and Christian communities. The local economy depends on tourism and farming in the Beqaa Valley.
Archaeological Museum
Walk through underground tunnels beneath the Temple of Jupiter's courtyard to reach the archaeological museum, opened in 1998. The exhibits include artifacts found during excavations, from architectural pieces to everyday objects. These items tell the story of Baalbek from Roman times through the Arab conquest.
