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During the Roman empire - more specifically during the reign of the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus in 164AD - the Roman road (Via Publica) which connected Damascus with Heliopolis, today's Baalbek in Lebanon, was moved from a lower level close the river Barada to a level maybe some 50m above its bed after the road had been flooded and distroyed various times. Since the Barada valley is very narrow at this particular location, the road had to be cut directly into the limestone walls of the gorge.

Although the road has been distroyed probably by a severe earthquake a few hundred years later, a large section of the Roman road cut still can be admired today close to the village of Souq Wadi Barada. Just adjacent on the eastern side of the Road cut in the same rock face, the visitor will find a number of Tombs roughly from the same time period. If you want to know more about the history of the site see: Dr. M. Gschwind, 2004: "Zum Stadtgebiet von Abila Lysaniae: Die Instandsetzung einer Roemischen Staatstrasse und ein fruehkaiserliches Gipfelheiligtum im suedlichen Antilibanon", Damaszener Mitteilungen, Band 14, Verlag Philipp von Zabern.

Two 4-pitch bolted sports climbing routes have been installed by the end of 2007: Via Publica XXXVIII 6a+/5b+A0 and Inspector Gadget, 7a+/6b+A0. In addition, a third trad route, Headache 6a+, has been opened in April 2008.

Inscription at the Roman Road

IMP(ERATOR) CAES(AR) M(ARCUS) AUREL(IUS) ANTONINUS AUG(USTUS) ARMENIACUS ET IMP(ERATOR) CAES(AR) L(UCIUS) AUREL(IUS) VERUS AUG(USTUS) ARMENIACUS VIAM FLUMINIS VI APRUPTAM INTERCISO MONTE RESTITUERUNT PER IUL(IUM) VERUM LEG(ATUM) PR(O) PR(AETORE) PROVINC(IAE) ET AMICUM SUUM INPENDIIS ABILENORUM

Panoramic view from Via Publica XXXVIII over the Barada River valley.

1 Via Publica XXXVIII

First ascent: Jürg Neidhardt & Markus Gschwind, 27th of Jan 2007

250m east of the last tomb, a nice shear rock cliff rises about 100m from the gravels below. After years of staring at that cliff, the Swiss seismologist Juerg Neidhardt and the German archologist Markus Gschwind in January 2007 finally decided to open Syria's up to date longest sport climbing route through that wall. Apart from a short bulging overhang which if necessary can be overcome by technical means, the four pitches of the route Via Publica XXXVIII offer spectacular but easy climbing (5b+) and dramatic views over Wadi Barada and the Roman road site below.

Equipment needed: A set of 12 quick draws, a belay sling and a few screw-gate carabiners. 60m rope should suffice to rappel down. Helmet recommended.

Markus Gschwind at the top of ViaPublicaXXXVIII 6a+ (5b+ obl.) The thin red line marks the access path to the start of the route.

The site can be reached by car over the Damascus - Beirut highway within about 30 minutes. 27km out of Damascus you take the exit to go to the mountain resort Bludan/Zabbadani. After driving down-hill for maybe 3km, the road crosses the railway tracks of the Damascus - Bludan steam train. Just afterwards turn right into the Barada valley and follow the road for maybe another 2km. Just before you enter the village of Souq Wadi Barada, park the car. The Roman Road site is located above the road on the left side. The cliff straight ahead about 150m above the valley ground is the one displayed above. To reach the cliff, one climbs up to the Roman tombs and follows the wall.

Example page of topo guide for Via Publica.

Vertical panorama on the route

2 Inspector Gadget

Bolted by Jürg Neidhardt and Gerri Obermüller, August 2007. First RP ascent: Gerri Obermüller with Bernd 19th of April 2008.

Describtion: The route starts with a first pitch of moderate difficulty (5c+). From the first belay, one has to traverse to the left for a few meters where the real difficulties start. The crux (7a+) consists of a slightly overhanging section (ca. 12m) with poorly developped finger pockets and bad foot placements. This is followed by a 3m balance traverse to the right on minuscule and another short hard and steep ascent where a small balcony is reached. The 3rd pitch follows a sub-vertical pillar in beautiful plaisir style (6a+). The last pitch leads over a overhanging and very exposed nose partially with large holes for holds. The slightly longer distance between bolts make it a tough pitch for your nerves and forarms.

Equipment needed: A set of 12 quick draws, a belay sling and a few screw-gate carabiners. 60m is sufficient but 2x50m add more safety. Helmet recommended.

Jürg Neidhardt drilling on Inspector Gadget.

Bernd struggles to follow up the 4th pitch of Inspector Gadget.