Hosn Suleiman (حصن سليمان) is a magnificent ancient temple complex located in a remote stretch of mountains. Although this had been a religious center for centuries before, most of the current construction dates from the Roman period. Most impressive, perhaps, is the size of the stones used to construct the outer walls of the complex, which are similar in size to those found in Baalbek, …
The small Roman temple in al-Sanamein (الصنمين) makes for an easy half-day excursion from Damascus. The temple, built with the black basalt typical of the region, is relatively well preserved. According to the Ministry of Tourism, it dates from the late 2nd century. The temple is in the west end of the town, tucked away behind a mosque. The temple appears to be permanently locked, with the …
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, …
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 …
al-Dumeir (الضمير) is a modern town with a well-preserved Roman temple said to date from the 3rd century. The town itself is otherwise uninteresting, but the temple makes for a worthwhile afternoon excursion from Damascus (دمشق). Note the Greek inscriptions covering much of the eastern base of the temple. Getting There: Getting to al-Dumeir (الضمير) is relatively simple as direct microbuses travel between the town and Damascus (دمشق). …
