Things to Do in Homs, Syria

Quick facts: The site houses the tomb of Khalid ibn al-Walid, a famous Muslim commander whose history is deeply rooted in the region. The mosque features a blend of historic architecture and modern restoration, preserving its significance through the centuries.

Highlights: Believers usually visit the mosque to pray near the 12-meter-long sarcophagus of Khalid ibn al-Walid, which is surrounded by elaborate mosaics. Especially impressive are the four massive columns in the main building, dating back to the 7th century, which convey a sense of ancient spirituality.

Quick facts: The building has a unique octagonal dome, which is unusual in its architecture. The minaret tower measures about 45 meters and is a remarkable example of early Islamic architecture.

Highlights: The incredible craftsmanship in the stonework shows fine floral-geometric patterns that come to life in sunlight. The mosaic at the entrance reflects sunlight and creates a sparkling color spectacle that few visitors expect.

Quick facts: Unusually, the walls reveal a mixture of Byzantine and early Christian architecture. The church houses one of the oldest Christian mosaics found in the region.

Highlights: A fascinating fresco tells the story of a local saint with surprisingly vivid colors that have been preserved despite its age. The atmosphere inside is marked by peaceful silence, emphasized by the soft light filtering through stained glass windows.

Quick facts: One of the largest and oldest fortresses in the Middle East covers an impressive 30,000 square meters. Many balconies and towers offer vast views of the city.

Highlights: The inner walls show traces of 30 different invasions and sieges, representing a vivid timeline of history. From the battlements, one can see along the walls how stonework and military architecture merge.

Quick facts: Over 12,000 artifacts from antiquity and the Roman era are exhibited here, including clay tablets with cuneiform from the Bronze Age city of Emar. Many exhibits come from excavations around Homs, which fascinatingly brings the region's history to life.

Highlights: The collection impresses with original pottery and jewelry handmade over 3,000 years ago, as well as one of the oldest cuneiform libraries in the world. A special treasure is an almost completely preserved clay tablet collection from the Sumerian period, which invites awe.

Quick facts: One of the oldest working dams on Earth still backs up this water, first raised by Roman engineers around 284 CE. Roughly 60 square kilometers of shimmering surface feed the orchards and wheat fields of the surrounding plain through a web of gravity canals.

Highlights: Few visitors realize the huge earthen rampart holding back the water was built by Roman legionaries nearly 1,740 years ago, and weathered stones from the original face still peek through the modern armor. On windless mornings the lake turns into a giant mirror, so fishermen's flat-bottomed boats appear to hover in mid-air while their oars carve long silver scratches across the glass.