Jeradeh (جرادة) was a fairly extensive Byzantine settlement on the eastern edge of Jebel Riha (جبل ريحا), the ruins today spread throughout a modern village. Given its proximity to the desert to the east, which was beyond Byzantine control, the town appears to have been heavily fortified in comparison to other settlements located further west. The most interesting of the remains is the six-story watchtower which …
al-Dana (الدانا) is a modern village on far eastern edge of Jebel al-Zawiyeh (جبل الزاوية) and Jebel Riha (جبل ريحا) which contains some remains of interest from the Byzantine period. Of particular note is the pyramid tomb, similar in style to those in al-Bara (البارة), found in northern section of the village. Other remains, probably domestic buildings, are scattered to the south. Within short walking distance …
Qasr al-Banat (قصر البنات) is a surprisingly well preserved Byzantine building to the north of al-Dana (الدانا). It is three floors, with the lower two levels on the south faced with a double portico in simple square columns. The style is unreservedly plain and severe. The plan resembles somewhat the monastery known as Deir Sobat in nearby al-Bara (البارة), but given the small scale of the …
Bashila (بشيلا) is a small Byzantine site in the southern portion of Jebel al-Zawiyeh (جبل الزاوية). The site has a particularly large and well preserved villa enclosed by a wall, along with several other smaller villas to the south. It does not appear that there was a church at this site, but it is within walking distance of several other settlements. While not worthwhile visiting on …
The remains of al-Breij (البريج), formerly the Monastery of Saint Daniel, are located on the eastern end of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). This Byzantine-era monastery is in a surprisingly good state of preservation. The main building is inserted into the cliff face, the first story being cut out of the rock and the stone used to build the upper two stories. The complex of three buildings …
The Byzantine site of Sarfud (صرفود) is spread out over rocky hills north of the road linking the town of Sarmada (سرمدا) with Kafr Darian (كفر دلريان) at the base of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). While the remains at the top of the hill (southern portion of the site) are badly ruined, there are several isolated towers to the northern end of the settlement that are of interest. …
Baqirha (باقرحا), situated on the northern edge of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا) and overlooking the Plain of Amuq (to the east of Antioch), is arguably the most interesting archaeological site on this mountain range. Baqirha (باقرحا) has remains from both the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the best preserved Roman temple in the northwest of Syria. The Roman temple, whose surprisingly intact remains stand on the southern edge …
The single Byzantine church of Deirouni (ديروني) is located between the sites of Baqirha (باقرحا) and Deir Qeita (دير قيتا) on the northeastern edge of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). The church is particularly interesting for its elaborate stone-carved decoration around the windows. The church probably belonged to a larger monastery complex at the site. Getting There: There are two ways to approach Deirouni (ديروني). The preferred option is to combine …
Deir Qeita (دير قيتا) is one of several Byzantine-era sites on the northeastern edge of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). The site contains the remains of several villas and churches, some of which are quite well-preserved. The facade of the main church is in particularly good condition. Being close to several other sites in the northern part of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا), including the important site of Baqirha (باقرحا), makes Deir …
The Byzantine-era site of Babisqa (بابسقا) is spread throughout a modern village on the northeastern edge of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). The site contains the remains of several villas and churches, some of which are quite well-preserved. One of the most intricately carved stone doorways of the Byzantine ruins in the limestone massif can also be found here. Being close to several other sites in the northern part …
