Shahba (شهبا) is one of the most unique and best preserved Roman cities in the whole of Syria. The modern city largely keeps to the original Roman plan, and there are substantial remains of the Roman baths, amphitheater, a temple and other monuments. Shahba (شهبا) is arguably the most impressive site in the region and shouldn’t be missed if traveling in the area. Getting There: Buses …
Qanawat (قنوات) is perhaps the most impressive site in the region of al-Suweida (السويداء). It was a major city in Roman times and remained important through the Byzantine period, when its most famous monument was constructed. Getting There: There are semi-frequent buses from al-Suweida (السويداء) to Qanawat (قنوات), a trip that takes about 15 minutes. They do not depart from al-Suweida (السويداء) bus station, …
al-Suweida (السويداء) is the capital and largest city in the province of the same name, and therefore an administrative center and major transportation hub. If you’re visiting Salkhad (صلخد), Qanawat (قنوات), Sia (سيع), Atil (عتيل), Salim (سليم) or al-Qaraya (القريا), you’re likely to pass through here. al-Suweida (السويداء) is the only major city in Syria that is predominantly Druze. Although al-Suweida (السويداء) was a major settlement through …
Shaqqa (شقا) is a seldom visited town to the northeast of Shahba (شهبا) which has numerous historic remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Many of these remains have been incorporated into modern residences, and a Roman temple today serves as a Druze prayer hall. Getting There: Microbuses travel between Shahba (شهبا) and Shaqqa (شقا) frequently throughout the day. These microbuses depart from the bus station in Shahba (شهبا) which …
Salkhad (صلخد), a predominantly Druze town to the southeast of al-Suweida (السويداء), has had a long history dating to pre-Islamic times. The remains visible today date mostly from the 13th century. Most striking of these is the Ayyubid citadel built in 1214-1247, about the same period as the fortification of the amphitheater in Bosra (بصری). Both were to serve as southern defenses of Damascus (دمشق) against …
Salim (سليم) is a small Druze village located on the main road between al-Suweida (السويداء) and Shahba (شهبا). The settlement, originally Nabatean, was known as Selaema to the Romans. It contains the remains of a Roman temple which now houses a Druze tomb. Most of the temple has been destroyed, though the northeast corner of the structure remains standing precariously to its full height. The temple was richly …
Atil (عتيل) is a small Druze village located just east of the main road between al-Suweida (السويداء) and Shahba (شهبا). The village is located about five kilometers north of al-Suweida (السويداء) and was once the Roman town of Athela. The ruins of a two apparently identical 2nd century Roman temples can be found here, hidden among the homes of the village. The southern temple is better …
Sia (سيع) was once the site of a significant Roman temple, though what remains leaves much to the imagination. Little remains intact aside from the foundations, though countless Roman carvings can be found scattered around the site. It is located approximately two kilometers southeast of Qanawat (قنوات). The proximity of Sia (سيع) to Qanawat (قنوات), an easy thirty minute walk, makes visiting worthwhile. Getting There: No public transportation runs to …
Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Shahba (شهبا), on the western edge of the volcanic wilderness area, the Druze village of al-Mushanaf (المشنف) contains one of the numerous Roman temples found in the region. Although small, the temple is fairly well-preserved and is a good example of the style of the period. It was constructed on the edge of a small artificial lake and was originally …
Heit (هيت) and Hayat (هيات) are two neighboring villages about one kilometer apart in the northern part of the al-Suweida region (ريف السويداء). Both villages have scattered remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Heit (هيت), associated with the ancient Eitha, has the remains of multiple houses and a tower. Hayat (هيات) has the remains of a large villa and several smaller houses. While the remains are not as substantial as nearby Shahba (شهبا) or Shaqqa …
