The Cities of the Dead

Known also as the 'Forgotten' or 'Lost' cities, these hauntingly desolate Romano-Byzantine settlements are scattered over the limestone hills to the west of Aleppo and cover a surprisingly large area.  They are largely unknown to the outside world despite their astonishing scale - nearly 800 settlements in all, with more than 2,000 churches.  Mystery surrounds the abandonment of these early Christian communities, which flourished between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD.  One of the best preserved of the cities is Serjilla (pictured), where several fine two-storey structures remain, with colonnaded fronts and impressively carved windows and doors.

Why not stay an extra day in Aleppo and take a full day guided tour to these fascinating ruins?  Please ask for a quotation.