Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi

Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi is one of the desert establishments the Umayyad caliphs built in the eighth century, two walled enclosures standing side by side in open steppe northeast of Palmyra, with round towers, carved gateways and a free-standing minaret between them. It was a working estate as much as a palace, with a huge outer garden enclosure watered by channels from distant springs. The walls stand high and the emptiness around them is complete.

What you actually see

• The twin enclosures - the two walled compounds side by side.
• The gateways - the carved and towered entrances.
• The minaret - the tower standing between the enclosures.
• The steppe - open desert to the horizon in every direction.

When to go

March to April and October to November are mild; summer is severe. Low light brings out the brick and stone patterning.

Honest expectations

This is deep desert: no facilities, no shade, no water, and a guide with a proper vehicle is essential. Access arrangements change. Wind and sand can make the visit short.

Nearby

Palmyra is southwest, and the steppe runs to the Euphrates.