Hama — The Norias on the Orontes

Hama is one of Syria's most atmospheric cities, known above all for its norias — giant wooden waterwheels that have turned on the Orontes river for centuries, groaning as they lift water to old aqueducts.

What to see

• The norias — the great wheels along the river in the city centre, the largest and most famous in the world.
• The old city and river gardens — a calm, green heart around the Orontes.

The castles nearby

Hama's countryside holds some of Syria's strongest sites, each a half-day away:

• Apamea — the ~2 km Roman colonnade.
• Masyaf — the famous castle of the Assassins, dramatically set on a rock.

Getting there

Hama is on the road between Damascus and Aleppo, about two hours from Homs. We arrange a private trip that combines Hama with Apamea or the coast. See the Syria travel guide.

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.