Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi, Desert castle in Homs Governorate, Syria
The fortified palace complex extends over 70 meters on each side with limestone walls and circular towers at its corners.
Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik commissioned architect Thabit ibn Thabit to construct this desert residence in 727 CE.
The palace walls contain geometric patterns, frescoes, and stucco decorations that merge Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic artistic elements.
The Kharbaqa Dam, located 16 kilometers southwest of the castle, supplied water through an underground canal system to sustain life.
The complex included agricultural areas, a bathhouse, a mill, and spaces designated for hunting activities within its extensive grounds.
Location: Homs Governorate
GPS coordinates: 34.37444,37.60583
Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15
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