Bucket list experience:
This exceptional Roman temple complex is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.
Situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding valley, the enormous site includes the remains of two exceptional Roman temples – the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, the latter distinguished by its 6 remaining columns. Both date from the mid-1st century – the height of the Roman Empire.
The site was known as ‘Heliopolis’ (meaning Sun City in Greek) during Roman times, though it had been a site of worship since 8,000 BC. The current name derives from the Phoenician sky god, Baal; the Phoenicians (1500 BC – 300 BC) built the first significant temple here.
The temple complex lies in the middle of the town of Baalbek, about 85km north-east of Beirut.
This is considered ‘Hezbollah territory’, it’s wise to go with a tour group or private driver who’s familiar with the area.
As there’s very little signage around the ruins, a tour guide can be very useful here. Many guides offer their services at the entrance for a small fee.
There are no stalls or restaurants inside the temple complex, so eat beforehand and bring plenty of water as the site involves quite a bit of walking.
The site is open year-round daily, from dawn to dusk.
If you have the chance to go outside high season (July-August) you may very well end up having the place almost to yourself, which is an incredible experience.
High summer is uncomfortably hot, with temperatures close to 40°C, and unpleasantly busy.
Round-ups that include this experience
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Leading European travel writer Dana Facaros, with a passionate interest in archaeological sites, round-ups the best ruins and remnants of arguably the world’s greatest empire.
