The Temples of Baalbek
The Temples of Baalbek are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see on a trip to the region. There are a number of temples at the complex, most of which were constructed by the Romans over a course of two hundred years. These magnificent structures are famous for being a model of Imperial Roman Architecture and the ruins underneath are shrouded in mystery.
A history of the Temples of Baalbek
Baalbek city was chosen by the Romans for its strategic position along the trading route to Damascus through the Bekaa Valley. Known as Heliopolis, or the ‘City of the Sun’, it was an important center for religious worship. Several temples were erected at Baalbek: a temple for Jupiter, one for Venus, Mercury and another for Baachus, the God of agriculture and wine. People would come from far and wide to worship the Triad of Heliopolis, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury at their respective temples.
A timeless mystery
Although remnants from the Roman temples are all that stands today, they were certainly not the first constructed on the site. Underneath the temples, the foundations found were much older and could not be attributed to Roman architecture. Giant stone slabs, some weighing over 800 tonnes and perfectly cut, were lain out at a much earlier time. These monoliths are very similar to those used by the Egyptians and Pre-Incan Peru cultures, however it is unsure where they came from and for what purpose they were used.
If history and a spot of mystery interest you, then you should absolutely make the trip to Baalbek. Head there on a guided tour or order a day taxi. Before you leave, be sure to check for updated information from the reception at Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut on how to get there.