Niha Roman Temples

Niha has two Roman temples standing in the village itself, the larger with its cella walls, staircase and carved niches largely intact, dedicated to a local god identified with Hadaranes, and the smaller one nearby. Both date from the first and second centuries AD. Higher up the mountain at Hosn Niha are two more temples and the remains of a Roman village, reached by a rough track, and that pair is less visited and more atmospheric for it.

What you actually see

• The large temple - cella walls, stair and carved niches largely standing.
• The second temple - the smaller building alongside it in the village.
• Hosn Niha - two further temples and a Roman village site up the mountain.
• The carving - reliefs and inscriptions on the temple walls.

When to go

April to June and September to November are the most comfortable. Summer on the Bekaa floor is hot. The Hosn Niha track is difficult after rain and in winter.

Honest expectations

There is no ticket office, no signage and no interpretation. The Hosn Niha site needs a high-clearance vehicle or a long walk. Both sites are unfenced and unsupervised.

Nearby

Zahle is north, and Baalbek is further up the Bekaa.