If you’re thinking of visiting Syria you most likely want to see Palmyra. Palmyra is an ancient archaeological site located in Syria, near Homs.
Palmyra used to be the leading city of the Near East and a major trading post on the Silk Road back around 3000 BC. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The architecture of Palmyra combined Greco-Roman styles with those of Persia and Arabia. It’s surely one of the most impressive ancient sites I’ve ever seen and I can only imagine how amazing it was before the destruction – it was one of the best preserved and largest of all Roman Cities within the Middle East.
Palmyra was controlled by the ISIS during the civil war and some of the ruins at the site were destroyed, along with nearby establishments like hotels, restaurants and small town.
In March 2017 Syrian government recaptured it However, it’s slowly being restored. Palmyra is breathtaking in magnitude despite destruction from the war.
Is Palmyra Open to Tourists?
Yes, it is. It got reopened back in 2020 and then closed again due to the pandemic, but it’s still possible to visit at the moment.
It’s not as safe as it used to be, due to remaining booby traps, so it requires a special permit and escort but it’s all possible to obtain. I did it without any issues.
I visited in March 2020, so after the war. My photos show what’s survived and still standing.
The museum isn’t open and there and there’s not much inside. I did go inside to use the bathroom and people are there, but
Ancient Ruins of Palmyra in Syria
