Cyrrhus (Nabi Huri)

Overview

Founded by Seleucus I around 300 BCE and later a Roman legionary base and Byzantine bishopric, Cyrrhus preserves a theatre once among the largest in Syria, a hexagonal tower tomb converted into a Muslim shrine, and two Roman bridges over the Afrin and Sabun rivers that carry vehicles to this day.

Significance

On Syria's UNESCO tentative list; a rare site where Hellenistic urban planning, Roman infrastructure and Islamic religious continuity are all legible in one landscape.

Notable Features

• 01Roman theatre (c. 115 m diameter)
• 02Two functioning Roman bridges
• 03Hexagonal pyramid-roofed tower tomb (Nabi Huri shrine)
• 04Colonnaded main street
• 05City walls and citadel hill
• 06Basilica foundations

Major Attractions

• 01

  The Theatre

  Cut into the hillside and once seating around 20,000 — the second largest theatre in Roman Syria after Apamea.

• 02

  Nabi Huri Tomb

  A hexagonal Roman tower tomb with a pyramidal roof, venerated for centuries as the shrine of the prophet Uriah.

• 03

  The Roman Bridges

  Two 2nd-century bridges still in daily use — among the oldest working bridges anywhere.

• 04

  The Colonnaded Street

  The cardo running through the ruined city, with column stumps marking the shopfronts.

• 05

  Citadel Hill

  The acropolis above the site, with views across the Afrin valley to the Turkish border hills.

Visitor Tips

• ›Roughly 70 km north of Aleppo; confirm current access conditions in the Afrin area before travelling.
• ›The ruins are scattered across farmland — a local guide saves a lot of walking.
• ›Spring wildflowers make the theatre slope especially beautiful.
• ›Bring water and sun protection; there is no shade among the ruins.

What to Eat Nearby

• Afrin olives and oil

  The region is one of Syria's great olive districts; oil and cured olives are sold everywhere along the road.

• Village kebab

  Small grills in the surrounding villages serve lamb kebab with flatbread and onion salad.

• Aleppo return meal

  Most travellers eat properly back in Aleppo the same evening.

Where to Stay

• Aleppo hotels

  Recommended base

  The only practical base; Cyrrhus is a half-day trip from the city.

• Afrin town lodgings

  Basic

  Very simple rooms for travellers moving on north-west.