Centrally located in the acropolis of Palmyra (تدمر) are the remains of the ancient city’s theater (مسرح). Largely buried under sand until the 1950s, the structure has since been excavated and restored, representing one of the most well-preserved Roman theaters in Syria outside of Bosra (بصری). The theater (مسرح) was constructed in the first half of the second century according to Polish archaeologist Kazimierz Michałowski. …
Perhaps the most expansive of the Roman and Byzantine sites in the countryside of Aleppo (حلب) are the remains located at al-Nabi Houri (النبي هوري). Seldom visited due to its remote location, the site contains extensive remains of a once significant ancient city. These remains include an impressive Roman theater and tower tomb as well as two bridges that remain in use today. There are …
Jableh (جبلة) is a major coastal town about twenty five kilometers south of Lattakia (اللاذقية). Seldom visited by tourists, there is an impressive Roman amphitheater in the center of town along with one of the oldest mosques in the coastal region. On the outskirts of town, just north of the microbus station, is the bronze age archaeological site of Tel Tweini (تل تويني). Since Jableh (جبلة) …
Bosra (بصری) is one of Syria’s most incredible historic sites and should be considered a must for any visitor. Perhaps more than any place in Syria, Bosra (بصری) provides major historic monuments from multiple periods of Syria’s history. Fascinating Roman and Byzantine ruins combine with incredible early Islamic architecture to create one of the most unique sites in the world. Getting There: Bosra (بصری) is very easy …
Daraa (درعا) is the capital and largest city of a province of the same name. Located in the far south of Syria, it is an important border town and economic hub for the region. While most travelers simply transit through here on their way to somewhere else – mostly Damascus (دمشق), Bosra (بصری) or Jordan – the city does offer some interesting historic sites to explore. It also …
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 …
