UNESCO World Heritage · 1980 · Daraa Governorate
Ancient City of Bosra
بصرى الشام
32.5179° N · 36.4814° E“A black basalt city forged in volcanic stone.”
- Category
- UNESCO
- Era
- Nabatean–Roman–Islamic
- Location
- Daraa Governorate
- UNESCO
- Inscribed 1980
Overview
Significance
Notable Features
- Roman Theatre inside Ayyubid citadel
- Byzantine cathedral (512 CE)
- Mosque of Omar (early Islamic)
- Ancient city walls
- Nabatean Gate
- Cardo Maximus
Major Attractions
Roman Theatre
15,000-seat 2nd-century basalt theatre, preserved by the Ayyubid citadel walls built around it in the 13th century.
Cathedral of Saints Sergius, Bacchus & Leontius
A 512 CE central-plan cathedral whose design is thought to have influenced Constantinople's Hagia Sophia.
Mosque of Omar
Founded c. 720 CE — one of the oldest standing mosques in the world, with a square basalt minaret.
Nabatean Gate
A 1st-century BCE arched gateway from Bosra's time as a northern Nabatean capital.
Hammam Manjak
A finely preserved 14th-century Mamluk bath house in the heart of the old city.
Visitor Tips
- Wear light colours — black basalt absorbs heat fiercely in summer.
- Allow at least 3 hours: the citadel-theatre, the cathedral, the mosque, and the cardo each repay slow exploration.
- Easy day trip from Damascus (140 km); pairs well with Shahba's Philippopolis ruins on the return.
What to Eat Nearby
Mansaf
Lamb in jameed yogurt over rice and shrak bread — the southern festive dish.
Freekeh with Lamb
Roasted green wheat with lamb stock — a Hauran grain classic.
Shrak Bread
Paper-thin saj flatbread baked over a domed griddle.
Where to Stay
Bosra Cham Palace
Four-starGovernment-chain hotel a short walk from the citadel theatre — the main option.
Local guesthouses
BasicA few simple family-run guesthouses near the citadel; arrange via the site office.