Dellozeh دللوزة

With two sizable and well preserved villas and a few other scattered ruins, Dellozeh (دللوزة) is one of the more remote Byzantine sites in the Jebel al-Zawiyeh (جبل الزاوية) and Jebel Riha (جبل ريحا) region. Visitors will likely have the entire site to themselves, with only a couple families living in the area tending to the scattered olive tree groves. The site is located in the center of small valley, with the two large villas at the western edge of the settlement. To the east are various smaller buildings in poorer states of preservation.

 

Getting There: Dellozeh (دللوزة) is a fair way off the beaten path, and does take some effort to reach. Begin by taking a microbus from Aleppo (حلب) to Ariha (آريحا), a roughly thirty minute trip. Ariha (آريحا) also has regular microbus connections to Idleb (إدلب), Maarat al-Naaman (معرة النعمان), and some other larger towns. Once in Ariha (آريحا), locate a microbus to the town of Ahsem (احسم). Microbuses bound for al-Bara (البارة) will also pass through this town.

In Ahsem (احسم) there is road that heads southeast the remaining four kilometers to Dellozeh (دللوزة). You’ll have to continue on foot from here, or hire a private driver in the town. It is a pleasant enough hike, however, and most passing vehicles would probably be willing to give you a lift. The site will become clearly visible on the left-hand (northeastern) side of the road. The site can also be approached from Deir Sinbol (دير سنبل) to the east.

Coordinates: 35°41’45.52″N / 36°34’57.04″E

Transliteration Variants: Delloza, Delloze

Rating: 4.5 / 10