Béla Temple

The Temple of Bel is the largest building in Palmyra. The temple is dedicated to the local supreme deity - the lord of thunder and lightning.

The temple was considered the main city shrine. It was built by 32 AD. The temple complex included a courtyard with a fence, ritual pools, an altar and the temple itself. The entrance was decorated with eight-column spikes with towers on both sides. The architectural style of the temple absorbed both Greco-Roman and Eastern traditions.

Now from the temple there are only ruins that rise above a square courtyard surrounded by columns. Despite this, the temple still amazes visitors with its grandeur and monumentality.