Dura Europos

Early Christian Site | August 31, 2011

Dura Europos or Fort Europos is a ruin in Syria. This is the remains of a Hellenistic Roman walled city setting on a ninety meter cliff above the Euphrates River bank. It is situated close to the Salhiye village in the present day Syria.

The site was ravaged due to war and was abandoned in the 3 r d century AD, and lies hidden till it was rediscovered in 1920. Archaeological digs revealed that the site was home to the both the oldest synagogue, as well as the oldest church ever built. The immense significance of the site is evident. The sites are in a remarkable state of preservation, and is sometimes known as the “Pompeii of the Syrian Desert.”

Getting There . . .

Dura Europos is situated in far eastern Syria close to the Iraqi border and is set far from the main cities. It is visited mainly by coach tours. A house in the ruined city has been rebuilt to serve as a restaurant, shop and visitors center.

Dura is located close to the main Deir-ez-Zor to Abu Kemal Rd, and can be accessed either by taxi or bus. There are no accommodation options located close by though.