Ancient desert city with Roman colonnades, temples and a grand amphitheater from the 2nd century. Once a vital stop on the Silk Road trade route.
Palmyra lies 215 km northeast of Damascus, at a crucial point on the ancient silk route. This former Roman trading center contains some of Syria's most significant archaeological remains, including a 32 CE temple with zodiac ceiling designs, four-story burial towers with detailed wall carvings, and a grand 1,100-meter street lined with ancient merchant shops. The site reflects the architectural influences of Greek, Roman, and Persian civilizations that shaped this desert oasis.
The Great Colonnade and City Center
Walk the 1,100-meter main street of ancient Palmyra, where three ornate fountains mark your path from the Temple of Bel to Diocletian's Camp. Look for the stone countertops of ancient merchant shops along the way. The wide street design once allowed large camel caravans to pass through, while smaller side paths branch off toward what were residential areas.
Temple of Bel Complex
Built in 32 CE, the Temple of Bel sits within a 205 by 210-meter rectangular space. A large courtyard with surrounding porticos leads to the central sanctuary. Look up to see where intricate zodiac designs once decorated the ceiling. The building combines Mesopotamian-style stepped recesses with rows of Corinthian columns, reflecting the trade route's architectural influences.
Valley of Tombs
Walk among tower tombs that rise four stories high in the Valley of Tombs. Inside these structures, carved reliefs on chamber walls show Palmyrene citizens in remarkable detail. The carvings reveal men wearing traditional turbans and women adorned with both local and Roman jewelry, giving you a clear view of second-century fashion and social customs.
Modern Palmyra Town
The modern town follows a grid layout with Quwatli Street running through its center. Small restaurants serve traditional Syrian dishes throughout the town center. The Palmyra Museum in the southwestern district displays local artifacts with information panels in Arabic and English, explaining the city's role in ancient trade networks.
Current State and Restoration
As of 2023, several restoration projects are underway. You can see ongoing work at the Arch of Triumph, where Syrian and Russian teams collaborate on reconstruction. The Afqa spring site reopened to visitors in 2022. Stop by the Syrian Directorate-General of Antiquities information center near the entrance to learn which areas are currently accessible and to understand the ongoing preservation work.
