Distance between the Syrian Cities
Flag and Anthem
Historical Spots of Damascus
the 3rd most important city in Syria.It lies 160 km to the north of
Damascus. Like Petra and Palmyra, Homs was an Arab emirate in the
2nd century B.C. It was also the 3rd station on the 'Silk route'
after Doura Europos and Palmyra.
still retains this position of importance today, as the oil
pipelines pass through the city.
historical city produced many impressive personalities. Bassianos
(an emir of Homs), through his daughter's marriage to the Roman
emperor, Septimium Severus, who ruled Rome from 193 to 211, sired
three rulers, Caracalla, Heliogabalus and AlexanderSeverus.The city
was the birthplace of the famous Syrian philosopher, Longenius,
counselor to Queen Zenobia, and of the famous physician, Marlian.
Among the most significant historic constructions remaining in Homs
is the mosque of Khaled Ibn al-Walid, the great commander of the
Muslim Arab armies. Two very tall white-stone minarets lend
lightness to the imposing structure. The slender colonnade in black
and white stone horizontal rows is representative of traditional
Many churches still stand in Homs from the days of early
Christianity in Syria. One of these churches is said to possess the
girdle of the Blessed Virgin.The church of St.Elian is unique for
its collection of fine frescoes discovered in 1970.These bear
inscriptions in Greek and Arabic, and date back to the end of the
12th century. The Nuri mosque also dates back to the 12th century,
distinguished for its beautiful entrance