Standing atop a hill at 600 meters above sea level, the two Roman temples of Qasr Naous once dominated the landscape. Even in their ruined state, they continue to offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into Lebanon’s ancient past.
The first temple, located to the east, is the better-preserved of the two. Like the sanctuary at Machnaqa, it was enclosed within a sacred precinct, accessed through an elaborately decorated entrance gate. In front of the structure, the remains of an altar can still be seen. Despite centuries of exposure, substantial parts of the temple endure, including its elevated platform, two Corinthian columns, and sections of its outer walls. The remnants of an internal staircase suggest that the temple once had an upper level, a design feature also found in the grand temples of Baalbek and Niha. Additionally, an underground chamber, now inaccessible, adds to the intrigue of the site.
In 1860-1861, during his exploration of the region, Ernest Renan documented the temple in detail. He noted that the doorway's lintel, now missing, was once adorned with a winged sun disk, a motif of Egyptian origin also found in the temple of Sh'him.
A short distance away, the second temple, positioned to the west, is surrounded by a walled enclosure with an entrance gate that remarkably remains intact. However, signs of earthquake damage are evident, as massive stone blocks have shifted from their original placements. Unlike its eastern counterpart, this sanctuary appears to have suffered destruction in ancient times. Although attempts were made to rebuild it, the restoration was never completed. Today, a carved relief of the Sun God lies abandoned among the ruins, offering a glimpse into the site's former grandeur.
Beyond the temples, to the north of the first sanctuary, remnants of several ancient dwellings suggest that a small settlement once flourished in the area. These structures appear to belong to a later period, adding another layer of history to this remarkable site.
