Bosra — The Black Basalt Roman Theatre

Bosra, in southern Syria, is a whole Roman city built of black basalt — and its theatre is one of the best-preserved in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's an easy day trip from Damascus.

What to see

• The Roman theatre — remarkably intact, built of dark volcanic stone and later enclosed within a citadel, which helped preserve it.
• The ancient city — colonnaded streets, baths, churches and mosques, all in the same black stone.

Getting there

Bosra is about 140 km south of Damascus — roughly two hours. It makes a comfortable full day, and pairs well with the Jabal al-Arab region further east.

The site needs a car from Damascus — we arrange a private trip that takes you there and back the same day. See the Syria travel guide for more.

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.