Palmyra is one of Syria’s most iconic historical sites. Once a major stop along the Silk Road, its towering ruins rise from the desert, offering a glimpse into a powerful past.
If you have even a passing interest in history, archaeology, or epic travel adventures, Palmyra should be at the top of your list.
Nestled in the heart of Syria’s desert, this ancient city has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and stunning architecture.
Famous first for its incredible history, then famous again unfortunately for the fact that a great deal of it was destroyed by ISIS…
But still, a great deal remains.
Roman columns, grand temples, and desert landscapes meet in a way that is impossible to forget. You can spend a whole day here getting lost in this ancient city.
Getting to Palmyra
Best Time to Visit
What to See in Palmyra
Palmyra’s Resilience and History
Palmyra is located in central Syria, about 215 kilometers northeast of Damascus.
The journey is part of the adventure. Most travelers arrive via Damascus, either by rental car or local bus. Roads are surprisingly good, though hiring a local guide or driver is strongly recommended. They know the terrain, the desert climate, and the safest routes, and their knowledge can transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary.
The road is long but the trip is worth it. A scenic drive through Syria’s deserts sets the mood for what’s ahead. Along the way, look out for the rolling dunes, small villages, and nomadic tents.
The desert climate means hot summers and cold winters.
The ideal time to visit Palmyra is between March and May or September and November. During these months, the weather is milder. There is no shade so during summer it is incredibly hot, especially due to a lack of wind, too.
If you do visit in summer make sure to bring enough water.
The Great Colonnade is the spine of Palmyra, a 1.1-kilometer street lined with towering columns that date back to the 3rd century.
Walking along this ancient avenue, you can imagine Roman chariots, merchants, and citizens bustling through the city.
The Temple of Bel was Palmyra’s most important religious site.
Dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, this temple reflects a fascinating blend of Greco-Roman and local architectural styles. The soaring columns, massive stone blocks, and ornate carvings are incredible.
The Tetrapylon is a stunning square of four clusters of four columns, built with perfect symmetry.
Nearby, the Roman Theatre offers a glimpse into Palmyra’s rich cultural life where they still even host some events. If you’re lucky, you can attend one!
The Agora was the city’s marketplace, the heart of commerce and social life.
Today, walking through the ruins, you can sense the buzz of merchants selling goods from across the ancient world. Don’t miss the funerary towers that dot the surrounding desert. These tall stone structures were used for burials and offer incredible panoramic views of the desert landscape.
Make sure to round off your trip by having lunch or dinner with some local nomads!
Once a wealthy caravan city on the Silk Road, Palmyra was conquered and rebuilt multiple times.
The 3rd-century Queen Zenobia famously challenged the Roman Empire, making Palmyra a symbol of ambition and power.
In recent years, Palmyra suffered damage during conflicts, but restoration efforts are ongoing.
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