Baalbek

Baalbek بَعلبَك is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Lebanon and one of the country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Baalbeck or 'Heliopolis' as it was known is the site of great ancient temples built by the Phoenicians, the Romans, and other civilisations that have conquered the region and enjoyed the fertile soil of the Bekaa Valley. Some of the most celebrated temples are the ones of Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, and Jupiter, the Roman god of light, of the sky and weather.

Temple of Bacchus

Visiting the ruins of Baalbeck costs 15 000 LL. The ruins consist of several temples and buildings:

• Temple of Bacchus (Small Temple). 
• Temple of Jupiter. 1st century AD. 
• Great Court. 
• Temple of Venus. 
• Hexagonal Forecourt. 

• Hajar al-Hubla. When you visit Baalbeck, be sure to drop by Abd an-Nabi al-Afi, the fellow who is caretaker to possibly the largest cut stone to be found anywhere on Earth (Hajar al-Hubla). He's working hard to clean up the environment a little bit, and he even offers tours of the area. Ask him to take you to the cafe up on the hill for an evening view of the valley. 

Do not buy antiquities as they are most likely fake. This is the center of the fake coin industry. Insist on a certificate of authenticity, and pay by credit card and keep your receipt. At least then you can charge back the dealer when you learn you have been deceived. Real antiquities could also be from illegal digs, don't buy them either.

You will probably also be touted some yellow Hezbullah T-shirts while you are at Baalbeck, as it is the birthplace of that party. If you choose to buy one beware: these T-shirts will self-destruct in the laundry, losing all of their green ink in the wash. That aside, they are an interesting souvenir. They should only cost 1,000 LL, not the 15,000 LL they'll ask.

Every summer there are outdoor sheesha bars, they also serve food, drinks, desserts.

• 🌍 Hotel Palmyra, ☏ +961 3 371 127. The classical hotel in Baalbek, open since 1874. However, it has taken a downturn with just 20 rooms open and skeleton staff. Still, Palmyra is the option for those wanting to experience yesteryear. Prices from $65. (updated Aug 2017)
• 🌍 L'Annexe. Located next to Hotel Palmyra, this small boutique hotel offers just five rooms. However, the whole building is renovated and the hotel offers a service way and above that of its bigger cousin nextdoors. Prices from $110. (updated Aug 2017)
• 🌍 Jammal Hotel. Budget hotel with spacious rooms on the city's main street near the ruins. Single rooms for US$20. (updated May 2018)