Ain Dara, Iron Age temple in Afrin District, Syria.
The temple stands on a limestone foundation with basalt blocks, featuring detailed stone carvings of lions and sphinxes along its exterior walls.
The structure existed from 1300 BC to 740 BC, predating and sharing architectural similarities with the First Temple of Jerusalem described in biblical texts.
The temple contains carved reliefs depicting Mesopotamian deities, including representations of Ishtar and the storm god Hadad on its stone surfaces.
Turkish military operations in 2018 caused substantial damage to the temple structure, with reports indicating destruction of sixty percent of the building.
The temple floor displays three enormous footprints, each measuring one meter in length, carved into the stone surface near the entrance portico.
Location: Ain Dara
Inception: 1300 BCE
GPS coordinates: 36.45963,36.85257
Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15
Dead Cities
14 km
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites
14 km
Cyrrhus
33.1 km
Arpad
21.7 km
Basufan
14.1 km
Dederiyeh Cave
6.8 km
Babisqa
32.3 km
Sitt er-Rum
16.7 km
Baqirha
33.1 km
Deir Seman
14.2 km
Mushabbak
23 km
Ancient village of Northern Syria
14 km
Kharab Shams
15.6 km
Kalota
14.1 km
Dar Qita
31.9 km
Ba'uda
30.6 km
Batuta, Syria
17.4 km
Refade
22.3 km
Banastur
20.5 km
Hexagonal Mausoleum at Cyrrhus
32 km
Simkhar
18.7 km
Deirouné
32.7 km
Sergible
27.1 km
Takleh
15.6 km
Burjke
15.6 km
Deir Mishmish
5.8 km
Gubelle
7.4 km
Sheikh Suleiman
21.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover 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