Cyrrhus (Nabi Huri) — Ancient City in North of Aleppo, near Afrin, 300 BCE – 12th century CE

Ancient City · North of Aleppo, near Afrin

Cyrrhus (Nabi Huri)

قورش (النبي هوري)

36.7442° N · 36.9581° E

“A Hellenistic capital with Roman bridges still carrying traffic.”

300 BCE – 12th century CE · North of Aleppo, near Afrin
Category
Ancient City
Era
300 BCE – 12th century CE
Location
North of Aleppo, near Afrin
UNESCO
Not inscribed

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

  1. Roman theatre (c. 115 m diameter)
  2. Two functioning Roman bridges
  3. Hexagonal pyramid-roofed tower tomb (Nabi Huri shrine)
  4. Colonnaded main street
  5. City walls and citadel hill
  6. Basilica foundations

Major Attractions

  • The Theatre

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

  • Nabi Huri Tomb

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

  • The Roman Bridges

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

  • The Colonnaded Street

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

  • 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.

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