Homs Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the western part of Syria, Homs, also known as Hims, is a captivating city that boasts a rich history and a unique blend of cultures. From ancient ruins to vibrant souks, Homs offers an unforgettable experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Middle East.

One of the major attractions in Homs is the famous Krak des Chevaliers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the city, is a stunning example of Crusader architecture. Visitors can explore its impressive fortifications, walk along the ancient walls, and imagine the battles that once took place within its confines.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Museum of Homs is a must. This museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, including pottery, coins, and sculptures, dating back to different periods of Homs' history. It provides a fascinating insight into the city's past and the civilizations that have left their mark on its landscape.

No trip to Homs would be complete without a visit to the bustling souks. These traditional markets offer a vibrant and lively atmosphere, where visitors can browse through a variety of goods, from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs. The souks also provide a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, as they haggle, chat, and go about their business.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Homs. The Orontes River, which flows through the city, offers picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks along its banks. Additionally, the nearby Al-Hosn National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its lush forests, hiking trails, and picnic spots.

Homs is also renowned for its culinary delights. Traditional Syrian dishes, such as kebabs, falafel, and hummus, can be savored in the city's many restaurants and street food stalls. The local cuisine reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Homs' history, making it a true gastronomic adventure.

Local name: حمص Settled: 2000 B.C.E.Population: 775.4 thous. (2019)Area: 18.53 mi²Elevation: 1650 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°43'46"N, 36°42'18"E

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Homs Top Attractions

Homs Attractions - What to See and Explore

Homs offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt, Citadel of Homs, Necropolis of Emesa. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Landmark Ottoman design mosque
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
The Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque is a mosque in Homs, Syria, located in a park along Hama Street in ash-Shuhada Square. The mosque is dedicated to Khalid ibn al-Walid, an Arab military commander who led the Muslim conquest of Syria in the 7th century following the decisive Battle of Yarmouk, which put an end to Byzantine rule in Syria.
Church
Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt
Saint Mary of the Holy Belt Cathedral is a historical Syriac Orthodox cathedral in Homs, Syria. It is the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Homs and Hama.
Forts and castles
Citadel of Homs
The Citadel of Homs, also known as Homs Castle or Qalaat Homs, is a historic building now mostly ruined in Homs, Syria. The citadel was built on top of an ancient tell southwest of the Old City, with remains dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.

Archaeological site
Necropolis of Emesa
The necropolis of Emesa, also known as the necropolis of Tell Abu Sabun, was an ancient necropolis of modern-day Homs, in Syria.
Mosque
Al-Atassi Mosque
The Al-Atassi Mosque is a mosque in Homs, Syria. It is situated in a public park on the site of a former graveyard at the foot of the mound on which the remains of the citadel stand.
Mosque
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri also called al-Nouri Mosque, is a mosque in Homs, Syria. It is situated off ash-Shouhada street, adjacent to the city's historical roofed souqs.
Church
Church of Saint Elian
The Church of Saint Elian is a church in Homs, Syria, located along Tarafa bin al-Abd Street near the Gate of Palmyra. The Feast of St. Elian is held annually at the church on February 6 and attracts a large number of pilgrims from all around Syria. Elian is also known in English as Julian.
Street
Quwatli Street
Shoukri al-Quwatly Street or simply Quwatly Street is the main street of central Homs, Syria. The street is a short, but wide strip of road with a large roundabout at both ends. Central Homs lies on either side of Quwatli Street, named after former Syrian president Shukri al-Quwatli.
34°43'51"N • 36°42'34"E
Homs District
Homs District is a district of the Homs Governorate in central Syria. The administrative centre is the city of Homs. The district was split in 2010, when three sub-districts were separated to form the new Taldou District.
Arch
Gates of Homs
The Gates of Homs refer to gates of the city of Homs in central Syria. Historically under the Abbasid dynasty, the city had seven gates. They were the following: Bab al-Souq, thought to have been located on the southwestern corner of the al-Nouri Mosque. Bab Tadmur located on the northeastern side of the wall.
Dam
Lake Homs Dam
The Lake Homs Dam, also known as Qattinah Dam, is a Roman-built dam near the city of Homs, Syria, which is in use to this...
Universities and schools
Al-Baath University
Al-Baath University, founded in 1979, is a public university located in the city of Homs, Syria, 180 km north of Damascus. It is Syria's fourth largest university.
34°40'44"N • 36°35'30"E
Hdyqt alanst rdyt
Museum
Neighbourhood
Deir Baalbah
Deir Ba'albah is the north-easternmost neighborhood of the city of Homs in central Syria. Nearby places include the al-Bayda and al-Abbasiyah neighborhoods to the south, and the villages of al-Mishirfeh and al-Jabiriyah to the northeast.
Neighbourhood
Homs Camp
Homs camp is a Palestinian refugee camp within the city of Homs, Syria and around 160 kilometers north of Damascus. As of 2002, the camp had a population of 13,825 inhabitants.
Neighbourhood
Al-Bayadah
Al-Bayadah is a quarter of Homs, the capital of Homs Governorate. In 2004 it had a population of 35,000.
34°44'1"N • 36°42'16"E
Mrkz ghras
Monuments and statues
34°44'6"N • 36°42'2"E
Dwar alkardynya
Fountain
34°43'51"N • 36°42'34"E
Alsa t aljdydt
Memorial

Day trips

Homs – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Homs, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Azm Palace (Hama), Chastel Blanc, Norias of Hama (Hama).

28 milesN
Museum
Azm Palace, Hama
The Azm Palace, nestled in the ancient city of Hama, Syria, stands as an architectural testament to the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman era. This historic palace is a quintessential example of 18th-century Damascene houses, boasting intricate designs and a layout that...
34 milesW
Tower, Forts and castles, History museum
Chastel Blanc
Chastel Blanc, also known as the White Castle, stands as a sentinel of history in the mountainous region of Syria. This formidable castle, built by the Knights Templar during the Crusades, is a testament to the era of knights and conquests in the Middle East.
28 milesN
Aqueduct
Norias of Hama, Hama
The Norias of Hama are a series of 17 norias, historic water-raising machines for irrigation, along the Orontes River in the city of Hama, Syria. They are tall water wheels with box-like water collection compartments embedded around their rims.
31 milesNW
Forts and castles
Masyaf Castle
Masyaf Castle, an imposing medieval fortress, stands as a sentinel over the Syrian landscape. Located in the Hama Governorate, this castle is entrenched in history, dating back to the 11th century. It became renowned as the stronghold of the Nizari Ismaili sect, also...
28 milesN
Forts and castles
Hama Castle, Hama
Hama Castle is located in Hama, Syria, Located on the Orontes River.