(Ottoman
Bridge and Roman Aqueduct 33 km)
The
valley of the Ibrahim River, the ancient Adonis, is famed for
both its historical and religious significance. A wild and
beautiful area, in pagan times a pilgrimage road ran along its
north side to Afqa, scene of the tragic love story of Venus
(Astarte) and Adonis.
An Ottoman bridge built in 1806 can be seen
on the left of the road, shortly after you turn off from
the main highway. Upstream are a number of riverside cafés
that make a pleasant and cooling stop in summer. Further on,
where the valley forks, the east structures of a Roman
Aqueduct are visible. Some of the retaining walls of the
aqueduct can be seen on the opposite cliff, while the single
remaining arch has been repaired by the General Directorate of
Antiquities.
Continuing along the same road, you come to
Mashnaqa, the Roman temple of Yanuh, Aqoura and Afqa. |