The village of Kaluta (كالوتا) has an impressive collection of Byzantine remains which include numerous churches and several villas. Although a modern village has been established at the site, it does remain relatively well preserved with the most important church (on the eastern end of the site) undisturbed. The village, as well as the church complex of Qalaat Kaluta (قلعة كالوتا) overlooking it to the …
Overlooking the village of Kaluta (كالوتا) to the east is the impressive Byzantine church complex referred to as Qalaat Kaluta (قلعة كالوتا). One of the largest churches in the region of Jebel Samaan (جبل سمعان), the building was apparently fortified during a later period, hence the Arabic name describing it as a castle. The church is relatively well preserved, with most of the exterior walls …
Serqaniya (سرقانيا) is a moderately sized Byzantine-era settlement that features the remains of two churches and several villas and underground tombs. Situated in a small and fertile valley, it is one of the more charming sites in the Jebel Samaan (جبل سمعان) region, particularly in the spring. The ruins are just a short walk south of the neighboring Kurdish village of Fafertin (فافرتين), and the …
The small village of Qatura (قاطورة), on the northern side of Jebel Sheikh Barakat (جبل الشيخ بركات), has an interesting collection of late Roman and Byzantine remains. Most noteworthy are the numerous rock-cut tombs to the west of the village. These date variously from between 122 and 250 AD and are similar in style to classical funerary art, with some slight Palmyrene influences. They are …
Just a short hike up a hillside opposite Qalaat Samaan (قلعة سمعان) is the small Byzantine site of Taqla (تقلا). This settlement was constructed in the mid-fifth century around a small church, the western facade of which represents the only decently preserved structure surviving today. The plan of the church was typical of the columned basilicas of the mid-fifth century, with the apse flanked by …
Zarzita (زرزيتا) is a small village with scattered Byzantine-era remains to the southwest of Jebel Samaan (جبل سمعان). The village seems to date from the fifth and sixth centuries, a period when the local agricultural industry was flourishing and there was a surplus to support a large number of monastic communities. Today, it is a small village inhabited by perhaps a couple dozen families. While the …
Burj Heidar (برج حيدر) is a Kurdish village to the east of Qalaat Samaan (قلعة سمعان). The site was settled at least as early as 298 AD, before the Roman empire officially adopted Christianity (in 324 AD), and was known as Kaprokera. Most of the surviving remains date from the Byzantine period, including the tower in the center of the village, from which its modern …
The tiny village of Kafr Nabo (كفر نابو) has several Byzantine-era remains and is worth a stop if visiting the nearby sites of Burj Heidar (برج حيدر) or Barad (براد). The southern edge of the settlement has a couple of large villas in decent condition with a significant number of well preserved stone carvings. The northern portion of the settlement is largely in ruin, however, …
Burjkeh (برجكة) is a small Kurdish village with two items of interest: a small Byzantine church and an impressive tower after which the village takes its name. The church, alongside the road, dates from the sixth century. The side facade and central doorway are decorated with a meandering band of carvings. Like the chapel at nearby Serqaniya (سرقانيا), the chancel is rectangular and had a …
The friendly Kurdish village of Fafertin (فافرتين) is on the surface entirely unremarkable. It is surprising to find in this otherwise nondescript village what might be the oldest basilica church in Syria. The remains of the church here have been dated by inscription to 372 AD, well earlier than most churches in the region. All that remains is the apse, which today makes up part …
