Things to Do in Hama
Hama
Pleasant, clean and quiet, Hama is an ideal base to visit the Dead Cities to the north. Accommodation, during the spring season at least, is rather steep though.
Things to Do
Al Bara
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 9:23pm
Location:HamaPrice:FreeAttractively set amidst olive groves and cherry trees, Al Bara is the largest of Syria's "dead cities", cities which were abandoned while still intact with no evidence to suggest why they were left. The major attractions within the ruins themselves are the two pyramid roofed tombs and the large church, although the entire site is worth wandering around if you have the time.
Apamea
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 9:43pm
Location:HamaPrice:150/10 SYP adult/studentBilled as the second most impressive site in Syria, after Palmyra, Apamea falls far short of the mark (as does Palmyra, for that matter). While the city that once stood here was almost certainly impressive, the remains of all but the original cardo are now in a sad state of affairs. It's still interesting to wander around, but the nearby dead cities are a much more interesting drawcard.
Qala'at Shayzar
elyobo — Fri, 26/06/2009 - 9:46pm
Location:HamaPrice:75/10 SYP adult/studentNot the most impressive of Syrian castles, but nicely sited on a huge rock mound and with an impressive gatehouse. The main keep might also be appealing but was locked up while we were there. Reconstruction work appears to be ongoing.