The Temple of Venus at Baalbek is the small, elegant Roman temple just outside the main sanctuary wall, round in plan and richly carved, traditionally associated with Venus. It is easy to miss if you only walk from the propylaea to Bacchus, and it should not be missed: the design is different from every other building on the site. The UNESCO ticket covers the large complex; check whether the Venus temple is included in the current circuit. See it with the Temple of Bacchus and, if you have time, the quarry and the Mercury ridge. It is the delicate counterpoint to Baalbekâs gigantism.
