Kanawat Ancient City (مدينة القنوات الاثرية) Qanawat is one of southern Syria’s best-kept secrets. Hidden in a green valley, this ancient Roman city features impressive temples, grand stone streets, and old water bridges. Because it is quiet and peaceful, it is the perfect spot to explore history and take amazing photos without the crowds.
Just a short drive away is Shahba, the hometown of the Roman Emperor Philip the Arab. Though small, it is packed with history, featuring an ancient Roman theater and a museum filled with beautiful, detailed mosaic art. Together, these two nearby sites offer an unforgettable journey into Syria’s spectacular Roman past.
| Feature | Kanawat & Shahba |
|---|---|
| Location | As-Suwayda Governorate, ~90 km south of Damascus |
| Historical Era | Roman Period (3rd century AD), also Nabatean influences |
| Founded By | Shahba: Philip the Arab; Qanawat: earlier Nabatean, expanded by Romans |
| Highlights | Roman theater, mosaics, temples, aqueducts, colonnaded streets |
| How to Reach | 2–2.5 hrs by car/tour from Damascus; Qanawat is ~7 km from Suwayda |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and autumn (mild weather) |
| Ideal For | History and archaeology lovers, off-the-beaten-path explorers |
| Photography | Allowed |
| Nearby Attractions | As-Suwayda city, Salkhad fortress, Druze villages, Bosra (farther) |
Why Visit
- You can see massive Roman water bridges (aqueducts). These engineering marvels brought fresh water from the hills directly into the city’s public baths and fountains. The smart layout of the buildings makes Qanawat feel like a real, walk-through classroom of ancient city design.
- For photographers and history enthusiasts, the contrast of lush greenery against the stone ruins creates breathtaking vistas. Walking through the city, you can almost imagine Roman citizens going about their daily lives, markets bustling, and priests performing rituals at the temples. This immersive experience is why Kanawat Ancient City remains a must-visit destination in southern Syria.
- While Qanawat is famous for its massive size, Shahba offers a closer, more personal look at Roman life. Known in ancient times as Philippopolis, the city was rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Philip the Arab over 1,700 years ago.
- Here, you can easily walk through a well-preserved Roman theater, explore old neighborhoods, and see stunning, colorful mosaic art in the local museum. It is a quiet, beautiful town surrounded by rolling hills—perfect for a peaceful walk through history.
- Together with Kanawat Ancient City, Shahba site provides insight into the diversity of Roman provincial towns—from bustling civic centers to smaller, carefully planned urban settlements. For travelers looking to experience Roman history without the crowds, combining visits to both sites is ideal.
How to Reach
From Damascus, take the road south to As-Suwayda city (about 2 hours). From there:
- Shahba is around 20 km north (easily reachable by car).
- Qanawat is just 7 km northeast of As-Suwayda.
Hiring a car or joining a private tour is the most convenient option, as public transport is limited in this region.
What to Know Before You Go
- Bring water and snacks; services at the ruins are minimal.
- Best visited in spring or fall; summers can be hot.
- Some terrain is uneven—wear walking shoes.
- No crowds, but also little on-site signage—download a map or guide in advance.
- Combine with a tour of As-Suwayda’s local markets or Druze villages for a full-day experience.
Nearby Attractions
- As-Suwayda city and museum
- Dahr Al-Ahmar village
- Salkhad fortress (south of Suwayda)
- Bosra (2.5 hrs away – great to combine in a southern Syria road trip)
- Local wineries and Druze heritage sites
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See how this highlight fits into the full adventure: Explore our Roman Sites Tour
To explore further, visit our Facebook Syria Collection for rare images and cultural highlights.
