| Name | Qatna / al‑Mishrifeh (Arabic: قطنا / المشرفة) |
|---|---|
| Location | ~18 km northeast of Homs, Syria |
| Historical Period | Bronze Age capital; later Bronze/Iron Age settlement |
| Known For | Massive royal palace, intact royal tomb, cuneiform archives |
| Excavations Started | 1924 (French), resumed in late 1980s (Syrian–Italian–German teams) |
| City Size | ~1 km² with 15–20 m perimeter ramparts |
| Entrance & Access | Public access; small fee or donation encouraged |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring or autumn; cooler mornings |
| Accessibility | Car or microbus from Homs to al‑Mishrifeh village |
Located at Tell el‑Mishrifeh near Homs, Qatna (al‑Mishrifeh) was a powerful Bronze Age city from c. 3300 BC to its Hittite destruction in 1340 BC. At its height, it served as the capital of a regional kingdom, boasting one of Syria’s largest royal palaces and a burial hypogeum containing intact tombs and archives. Today, its visible ramparts, palace ruins, and archaeological park tell the story of ancient trade, politics, and sophisticated craft culture.
Why Visit
Qatna offers a unique window into Bronze Age civilization, including a vast royal palace, an undisturbed royal tomb complex, and archival archives with tablets in Akkadian and Hurrian. Excavations revealed rare treasures, stunning artifacts, and traces of international trade with Egypt and Mesopotamia. Its scale and preservation make it one of the most significant ancient sites in Syria.
How to Reach
The site lies approximately 18 km northeast of Homs, accessible via microbus or taxi to the village of al‑Mishrifeh. From there, the archaeological tell with its earthen ramparts is visible and walkable. Visitor access is straightforward as part of a day trip from Homs.
What to Know Before You Go
Entrance is often free or supported by small donations. Facilities are minimal—bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Some remaining modern village structures rest atop palace layers but excavations are ongoing. Respect fragile areas and consider hiring a local guide for full historical context.
Nearby Attractions
- Palace well-house exhibit and royal hypogeum crypt
- Historic village of al‑Mishrifeh with 19th-century houses
- Surrounding Bronze Age landscape and ramparts
- Excursions combining Qatna with Mari-style sites and Salamiyeh region ruins
