Qanawat

Qanawat is a village in the As Suwaydā' Governorate of southern Syria, located about 10 km north of As-Suwayda. It is the site of the ancient Roman city of Canatha, which flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The ruins are among the most impressive in southern Syria, including a well-preserved Roman theatre, a nymphaeum, a colonnaded street, and several temples. The village is predominantly Druze and sits in a lush green area surrounded by basalt hills.

The climate is Mediterranean: hot summers and cool, rainy winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

By Plane

Damascus International Airport (DAM) is about 110 km north.

By Train

By Car / Road

Qanawat is just north of As-Suwayda (10 km, 12 min). Shared microbuses from As-Suwayda serve Qanawat (fare about SYP 1,500–2,500).

The site is compact and walkable. The ruins are within a short walk of the modern village.

• Qanawat Roman Theatre: A well-preserved theatre with seating for about 2,000 spectators, still used for cultural events.

• Nymphaeum: A monumental fountain building from the Roman period.

• Colonnaded street: Remains of the main thoroughfare of ancient Canatha.

• Temples: Ruins of several Roman temples dedicated to local deities.

• Qanawat Museum: A small museum with artefacts from the site.

• Roman ruins tour: The theatre and nymphaeum are the highlights.

• Photography: The basalt ruins against the green hills are beautiful.

• Cultural events: The theatre occasionally hosts performances.

• Qanawat café: Simple Syrian dishes. A meal costs SYP 3,000–6,000.

Tea is available. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Qanawat has no formal accommodation. The nearest hotels are in As-Suwayda (10 km south), such as Al-Jabal Hotel from SYP 12,000–20,000.
• Practical tip: Qanawat is a 12-minute drive from As-Suwayda and easily visited as a day trip.

Small stalls near the ruins sell local handicrafts and souvenirs.

• As-Suwayda (10 km south, 12 min) — The governorate capital.
• Shahba (15 km north, 15 min) — The Roman city of Philippopolis.
• Shaqqa (25 km southeast, 25 min) — An ancient town with Nabataean ruins.
• Bosra (70 km west, 1 hr 15 min) — The magnificent Roman theatre, a UNESCO site.