Baalbek

Baalbek is a city in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate in the Beqaa Valley, home to one of the most spectacular Roman temple complexes in the world (UNESCO). Known as Heliopolis (City of the Sun) during Roman times. Continental climate: hot dry summers, cold winters.

By Plane

Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY IATA) ~85 km (1.5 hr, taxi US$70–90).

By Car / Road

From Beirut, highway east through the Beqaa Valley. Buses from Cola station (~2 hr, LL30,000–50,000).

The temple complex is walkable. Service taxis around town.

• Temple of Jupiter – Largest Roman temple ever built, with six colossal columns and the Trilithon stones.

• Temple of Bacchus – Best-preserved Roman temple in the world.

• Temple of Venus – Distinctive circular temple.

• Great Court – Hexagonal forecourt.

• Baalbek Stone – 1,500-ton block in the quarry.

• Temple exploration – Allow 2–3 hours.

• Baalbek International Festival – July–August in the temple courtyard.

Restaurants near the temple serve Lebanese cuisine.

Lebanese wine and arak. Bottled water essential in summer.

• Budget: Palmyra Hotel, US$40–60/night (historic)
• Mid-range: Baalbek Hotel, US$60–80/night

Souvenirs near the complex. Beqaa Valley wines.

• Hermel (35 km) – Pyramid monument
• Zahle (60 km) – Riverside dining
• Anjar (70 km) – Umayyad ruins
• Château Ksara (70 km) – Famous winery