Syria: Hama

Hama is the fourth largest city in Syria, located between Damascus and Aleppo, about 220km north of the former. The biggest attraction here are the Norias of Hama, that supposedly date back to as far as 1100 BC, but more realistically were built around the 8-9th centuries AD. The norias are essentially giant and elaborate waterwheels to collect and direct water for irrigation and gardens and building. There are 17 of them in total around the city, but several most spectacular ones are in the heart of the city, next to other worthy attractions like the Nur-Al-Din Mosque, Azm Palace, the Clock Tower and more.