Androna

Androna is a Byzantine archaeological site in Aleppo Governorate containing ruins of churches, palaces, baths, and defensive walls from the 6th century. The structures spread across semi-desert terrain and reveal how residents adapted to life in this dry region.

The settlement emerged in the late 3rd century and flourished during the Byzantine period. Systematic excavations began in 1905, uncovering evidence of centuries of continuous habitation and trade.

The settlement gained fame for producing high-quality wine that was traded across distant regions. Local inhabitants built their community around this valuable agricultural output.

The ruins sit in an extremely dry climate with minimal rainfall each year. Visitors should bring water and wear sturdy footwear for walking across uneven terrain.

The inhabitants built massive underground water reservoirs and double defensive walls to manage survival in one of the driest zones. This engineering shows how clever residents were in adapting to an extremely harsh environment.