Archaeological · As-Suwayda Governorate
Qanawat (Canatha)
قنوات (كاناثا)
32.7556° N · 36.6167° EHistoric site photograph; not a current-condition report · Gianfranco Gazzetti / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
“Basalt temples, columns and the Seraya church complex.”
- Category
- Archaeological
- Era
- Roman and Byzantine periods
- Location
- As-Suwayda Governorate
- UNESCO
- Not inscribed
Overview
Qanawat, northeast of As-Suwayda, preserves the remains of ancient Canatha within a living basalt-built town. Temples, columns, public monuments and church complexes record the transformation of a Roman regional centre into a late antique Christian settlement. The Seraya complex illustrates the reuse and adaptation of earlier architecture. Its archaeological landscape complements Shahba and Bosra, revealing the distinctive stone-working traditions of the Hauran. Respect homes and cultivated plots around the remains; the presence of monuments does not mean every area is publicly accessible.
Significance
Basalt temples, columns and the Seraya church complex
Notable Features
- Basalt temples, columns and the Seraya church complex
Visitor Tips
- Confirm current access, permissions and safety locally before travelling. Photographs may show earlier conditions; do not enter unstable structures or excavation areas without permission.