Destination guide
Bosra
A black-basalt town in the south with one of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere.
Published stays in BosraOverview
Discover Bosra
Bosra was the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, and before that an important Nabataean city. Its 2nd-century theatre survived largely intact because it was enclosed within a fortress in the medieval period, and it can still seat around 15,000 people.
Around the theatre, the old town is built almost entirely of dark basalt, with colonnaded streets, gates, baths and some of the earliest mosques in the region. Bosra is UNESCO-listed and usually visited from Damascus, about 140 km away.
Why stay here
Reasons to stay in Bosra
A Roman masterpiece
Few ancient theatres anywhere are as complete, from the stage building to the upper seating.
A basalt townscape
Black stone streets and buildings give Bosra a look unlike anywhere else in Syria.
Layers of history
Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic monuments sit together in one compact site.
Things to see
Beautiful spots to visit
Roman Theatre and citadel
HeritageWalk through the medieval fortress walls to reach the theatre, with its tiers of seats and tall stage building.
Colonnaded street and Nabataean Arch
HeritageThe main street of the ancient city, framed by columns and a monumental arch.
Al-Omari Mosque
HeritageOne of the oldest surviving mosques in Syria, traditionally linked to the Caliph Umar.
Cathedral and Bahira's monastery
HeritageRemains of a large Byzantine cathedral and the building associated with the monk Bahira.
Where to stay
Choosing your base
Every listing shows its approximate location. Compare it with the areas below before you request a booking.
Damascus as a base
The most common option: a full day trip with an early start.
Bosra and nearby towns
Staying locally lets you see the basalt in evening light; As-Suwayda, about 40 km away, has more services.
Published stays
Compare current stays in Bosra
These are published listings, not a promise that a date is free. Open a property for its photos, capacity, amenities, and the total for your dates.
- Bosra Basalt Heritage HouseOld town, Bosra
Local flavours
Hauran home cooking: rice and meat dishes, fresh bread from village ovens, and grapes and figs in season.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn. Shade is limited on the site in summer.
How long to stay
A full day, or one night to see it at sunrise or sunset.