Homs, Industrial city in central Syria
Description
Homs is a big city in central Syria that spreads along the Orontes valley at an elevation of 511 meters (1,677 feet), covering residential, commercial, and industrial districts. The center sits between older quarters with low-rise buildings and newer outer zones with larger apartment blocks.
History
The settlement began around 2300 BCE and grew into the Roman city of Emesa, which gained importance under Emperor Caracalla in the 3rd century CE. Control shifted between Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman rulers over the following centuries, until it became part of modern Syria in the 20th century.
Culture
The souk area shows traders selling textiles and spices in narrow lanes that wind through the old center. Shops open in the morning and close by late afternoon, while locals come here for everyday purchases.
Practical
Several highways pass through and connect it to the coast and inland regions, while the train station carries services to different parts of the country. Visitors should expect warm days in summer and mild winters with occasional rain.
Did you know?
Lake Qattina nearby relies on a dam system built in the second millennium BCE that still supplies water to surrounding fields today. This ancient installation shows how early communities managed water scarcity in dry regions.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Homs Subdistrict).
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
396 m
Church of Saint Elian
862 m
Homs Municipal Stadium
1.8 km
Citadel of Homs
1.1 km
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
330 m
Necropolis of Emesa
1.8 km
Melkite Catholic Archeparchy of Homs
5 mAl-Atassi Mosque
1.2 km
Zahrawi Palace
474 m
Forty Martyrs Cathedral, Homs
660 m
Syrian Catholic Archeparchy of Homs
5 m
Homs Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
250 m
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
661 mRua do comércio
858 mخزان الزهراء
2 kmSchool for the outreach Zhara
1.8 kmابو محمد منير العبدالله
2 kmزين
1.6 kmالعرين
2.3 kmمشغل حلو
1.2 kmICRC office
1.8 kmبانوراما حمص
1.2 kmدوار النخلة
2.2 kmMemorial
684 mالسور الاثري لمدينة حمص
895 mضريحي وحشي وثوبان رضي الله عنهما
1 kmمقام ابو موسى الأشعري
896 mكنيسة الاتحاد المسيحي الانجيلية(يسوع نور العالم)
563 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes