Ancient City of Bosra

Overview

Capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Bosra preserves a complete urban fabric of cardo, theatre, baths, mosques, and basilicas built from local basalt.

Significance

UNESCO-inscribed in 1980 for its Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic monuments.

Notable Features

• 01Roman Theatre inside Ayyubid citadel
• 02Byzantine cathedral (512 CE)
• 03Mosque of Omar (early Islamic)
• 04Ancient city walls
• 05Nabatean Gate
• 06Cardo Maximus

Major Attractions

• 01

  Roman Theatre

  15,000-seat 2nd-century basalt theatre, preserved by the Ayyubid citadel walls built around it in the 13th century.

• 02

  Cathedral of Saints Sergius, Bacchus & Leontius

  A 512 CE central-plan cathedral whose design is thought to have influenced Constantinople's Hagia Sophia.

• 03

  Mosque of Omar

  Founded c. 720 CE — one of the oldest standing mosques in the world, with a square basalt minaret.

• 04

  Nabatean Gate

  A 1st-century BCE arched gateway from Bosra's time as a northern Nabatean capital.

• 05

  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-star

  Government-chain hotel a short walk from the citadel theatre — the main option.

• Local guesthouses

  Basic

  A few simple family-run guesthouses near the citadel; arrange via the site office.