"Although lying largely in ruins, the Baalbek Tell is a testament to what people can accomplish. The Baalbek Ruins is a Roman complex with temples dedicated to Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus. The Temples of Jupiter and Bacchus are considered two of the largest, grandest, and best-preserved Roman temples in the world.
A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site will take visitors on a historical journey starting in the first century. The original construction would have rivalled that of the Great Pyramids of Egypt in feats of human strength and ingenuity. Over 500 workers moved massive stones on rollers with pulley blocks. Excavations discovered what is thought to be the world’s largest ancient block, measuring 19.6 m × 6 m × 5.5 m (64 ft × 20 ft × 18 ft) and weighing 1,650 tonnes. Visitors will find it next to the Stone of the Pregnant Woman (Hajjar al-Hibla), which weighs 614 tonnes.
The granite and marble stones and columns aren’t the only things of wonder. The Great Court, where offerings were made at the heart of the ruins covers almost four acres. Sightseers will be able to picture the Roman occupation and the monoliths. Of the original 128, only six remain. The “Heliopolis” was a noted pilgrimage and oracle site.
When visiting, be sure to pay homage at the tomb of Kholat. She was a daughter of Hussein and perished while being transported as a prisoner.
Two millennia of pillaging and wars between Muslims and Christians have left the Baalbek Ruins in its current state, but a pilgrimage of your own wouldn’t be amiss."
Drive from Beirut to Baalbek takes 1hour and 10 minutes. The cost of fuel varies between R 100 to R 150 to cover a distance of 87.1 km
Taxi from Hammâna to Baalbek takes 56 minutes and the one way fare varies from R 1 800 to R 2 300 covering a distance of 62.7 km
Do hire a tour guide to show you around, or you may miss out on the must see things
Walk around the city to get a feel of the place
The site here is quite exposed, do bring a hat or an umbrella for shade on sunny days
Do visit the museum in there, it has plenty of antiquities on show with site maps and historical information
Bring water and food as you will not get anything here
If you have to leave this site by minivan, remember the last one departs to Beirut around 4 p.m.
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Waiting Time
No
Entrance Fee
Entrance fee
Adults: 15,000 LBP
Students: 10,000 LBP
Guided tours are available at about 30133 LBP per hour
Time you can spend
2 hours to 3 hours
Weather
Be the first one to start a thread.
