Qattina Lake (also called Lake Homs) sits about 15 km south of the city. Created by one of the oldest dams in the world — originally built in Roman times and possibly earlier — the lake is fed by the Orontes River and was historically central to the region's agriculture.
The lake is rich in fish and attracts a surprising variety of birdlife, making it a pleasant half-day escape from the city when conditions allow. The dam itself, though much rebuilt over the centuries, remains an impressive piece of ancient engineering.