Home › Destinations › Apamea
Apamea, سوريا - Things to Do in Apamea

Things to Do in Apamea

Apamea, سوريا - Complete Travel Guide

Apamea stands as one of Syria's most magnificent archaeological treasures, featuring the longest colonnade in the ancient world stretching over 1.8 kilometers through the heart of this once-great Roman city. Located in the Ghab Valley near Hama, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases remarkably preserved ruins including a grand theater, Byzantine mosaics, and impressive city walls that tell the story of over 2,000 years of continuous habitation from Hellenistic through Islamic periods. The ancient city served as a crucial crossroads on the Silk Road and was once home to over 500,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can walk along the spectacular colonnaded street, explore the well-preserved Roman theater that once seated 20,000 spectators, and admire intricate floor mosaics in the museum housed within a restored Ottoman caravanserai. The site offers an unparalleled glimpse into ancient urban planning and architecture, set against the backdrop of the fertile Syrian countryside.

Top Things to Do in Apamea

Explore the Great Colonnade

Walk along the magnificent 1.8-kilometer colonnaded street, the longest surviving ancient colonnade in the world. The street features hundreds of Corinthian columns that once lined the main thoroughfare of this bustling ancient metropolis. Marvel at the engineering prowess and urban planning that created this monumental avenue connecting the city's major landmarks.

Booking Tip: Entry to the site costs around $5-10 for foreigners. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Hire a local guide for $15-20 to fully understand the historical significance and architectural details.

Visit the Roman Theater

Discover one of Syria's best-preserved Roman theaters, built in the 2nd century AD with a capacity of 20,000 spectators. The theater showcases excellent acoustics and impressive architectural details including ornate stage decorations and tiered seating. Climb to the top rows for panoramic views over the archaeological site and surrounding valley.

Booking Tip: Theater access is included in the general site ticket. Best photography opportunities are in late afternoon when the stone glows golden. Consider timing your visit during any occasional cultural performances held at the venue.

Apamea Museum and Mosaics

Explore the on-site museum housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman caravanserai, featuring an exceptional collection of Byzantine and Roman mosaics discovered during excavations. The museum displays intricate floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes, hunting expeditions, and daily life in ancient Apamea. The building itself is an architectural gem showcasing traditional Islamic design.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is typically included with site admission. Allow 1-2 hours for the museum visit. Photography inside may require an additional fee of $5-10. Visit during midday when the site can be hot for outdoor exploration.

Explore the Ancient City Walls and Gates

Walk along the impressive fortification walls that once protected this strategic city, featuring massive stone blocks and defensive towers. Examine the well-preserved Antioch Gate and other entrance points that controlled access to the city. The walls offer insights into ancient military architecture and defensive strategies used throughout different historical periods.

Booking Tip: Wall exploration is included in general admission. Wear comfortable walking shoes as terrain can be uneven. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and dramatic lighting for photography. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration.

Discover the Agora and Public Buildings

Explore the remains of the ancient marketplace and civic buildings that formed the commercial and administrative heart of Apamea. Visit the ruins of bathhouses, shops, and public buildings that showcase the sophisticated urban infrastructure of this major trading center. Archaeological excavations continue to reveal new insights into daily life in the ancient city.

Booking Tip: Access included with general site ticket. Best explored with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the function of various structures. Visit during shoulder seasons for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Bring water and sun protection.

Getting There

Apamea is located approximately 55 kilometers northwest of Hama and can be reached by private car, taxi, or organized tour from major Syrian cities. From Damascus, the journey takes about 3 hours by car via the M5 highway through Homs and Hama. Public transportation options include buses to Hama followed by a local taxi or microbus to the archaeological site. Many visitors combine Apamea with visits to nearby Hama to see the famous wooden waterwheels, making it part of a broader exploration of central Syria's historical attractions.

Getting Around

The archaeological site of Apamea is best explored on foot, with well-marked paths connecting the major monuments and ruins. The main colonnaded street provides an excellent walking route through the heart of the ancient city, while smaller paths lead to outlying structures and viewpoints. Golf cart services may be available for visitors with mobility issues, though most areas require walking on uneven ancient stones. The compact size of the main tourist area makes it easily walkable in half a day, though enthusiasts may want to spend a full day exploring every corner of this vast archaeological complex.

Where to Stay

Hama city center
Near Hama's Old Quarter
Hama waterfront hotels
Countryside guesthouses near Apamea
Traditional Syrian houses in Hama
Modern hotels on Hama's main boulevard

Food & Dining

Dining options near Apamea are limited, so most visitors eat in nearby Hama, which offers excellent traditional Syrian cuisine including kebabs, kibbeh, and fresh mezze platters. Local restaurants serve specialties like Hama-style grilled lamb and fresh fish from the Orontes River, often accompanied by traditional flatbreads baked in wood-fired ovens. The area is known for its high-quality olive oil, fresh vegetables, and dairy products from local farms. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the historic waterwheels, creating a memorable dining atmosphere that complements your archaeological explorations.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Syria

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

MYAZU

4.5 /5
(4450 reviews) 4
bar night_club

Padova Italian Cuisine - Abdoun

4.9 /5
(3637 reviews)

SushiArt - Dubai Hills Mall

4.8 /5
(3637 reviews)

Clay Oven Marrakech

4.7 /5
(2691 reviews)

Kazoku

4.6 /5
(2716 reviews) 4

Mysore

4.6 /5
(1918 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Apamea is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable for extensive outdoor exploration of the archaeological site. Summer months can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C, making midday exploration challenging, though early morning and late afternoon visits remain pleasant. Winter visits are possible but may encounter occasional rain and cooler temperatures. Spring offers the added beauty of wildflowers blooming among the ancient ruins, while autumn provides clear skies and excellent visibility for photography and sightseeing.

Insider Tips

Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is limited shade among the ruins, and wear sturdy walking shoes for navigating ancient stone surfaces safely.
Visit the museum first to gain context about the site's history and significance, which will enhance your appreciation of the outdoor ruins and architectural features.
Consider staying overnight in Hama to visit both the waterwheels and Apamea at optimal times, and don't miss the opportunity to explore the less crowded eastern sections of the archaeological site where ongoing excavations sometimes reveal new discoveries.

Explore Activities in Apamea