Hosn Suleiman

Hosn Suleiman, ancient Baetocaece, is a sanctuary of Zeus high in the coastal mountains, and its enclosure wall is the astonishment: single stones up to ten metres long, megalithic work of the Hellenistic and Roman periods enclosing a great court with gates on all four sides, their lintels carved with eagles. A Hellenistic royal letter granting the shrine its privileges is inscribed at one gate. The village around it is small and the mountain air is a different Syria from the coast below.

What to look for

• The megalithic walls - building stones of enormous size.
• The four gates - carved entrances into the sacred court.
• The inscription - the royal grant carved at the gate.
• The mountain setting - the high, cool sanctuary village.

When to go

April to June and September to November are best; spring is green and cool. Winter can be cold and wet at this height. Summer is pleasantly cooler than the coast.

Before you go

The site sits in a working village with no facilities or formal opening. The road up is winding. Interpretation on the ground is minimal.

Nearby

Safita is south, and Mashta al-Helu is nearby in the hills.

Key facts