The ancient city of Palmyra is located in the Tadmur Oasis, in the very heart of the Syrian Savannah. Surrounded by arid desert, it was once a proud and pulsating trading metropolis. Everywhere you look, you can see relics of a bygone age that was full of myth and mystique.
The influence of the legendary oasis city grew due to it having been regarded as a province of Rome. The Romans soon recognized the strategic importance of Palmyra, as it was a vital centre of trade in the Near East. Palmyra’s fine buildings, such as its Amphitheatre, were typical of its impressive architecture.
Most of the Tetrapylon has been restored. It towers high above the ancient ruins and the Great Colonnade was once the main street of the historic metropolis.
Beyond the city walls in the Valley of Tombs, the mystic atmosphere of the former caravan city becomes apparent. Several well preserved mausoleums give the surreal looking desert landscape a truly ghostly atmosphere. The architecture of these multi-floored burial places are unique in the world.
The view from the Arabian fortress extends across the picturesque ruins of the city to the endless horizons of the desert. The oasis and ancient remains of Palmyra look almost surreal, as if in a dream yet, the old ruins and the mighty fortress really do exist in very tangible and resplendent form.