Homs is a city in central Syria, the country's third-largest, lying along the Orontes River. It sits on the road that links Damascus to Aleppo, which has long given it a place as a crossroads for trade and travel. Its industrial background along the river is part of what gives the city its character.
What to see
The historic neighborhoods of the old city are the main reason many visitors come, where the streets reflect the city's long past as a working urban centre. The Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque is among the city's best-known landmarks and is worth a visit for its architecture and its place in daily life here.
What a visit is like
- A stop between Damascus and Aleppo, useful for travellers who want to break the journey.
- Walks through the older districts, with the mosque as a focal point.
- A look at a city that has been an important cultural and economic centre in the region.
Homs was once called the "Capital of the Revolution," and the city has faced serious hardship in recent years. Anyone planning a trip should check current conditions and travel advice before going, and should allow for the fact that services and access may be limited.