Serjilla

Serjilla is a Byzantine settlement with preserved residential houses, a basilica, bathhouses, and olive presses spread across a sloping mountainside. The stone structures include multi-story buildings with some retaining their upper floors and roofing.

The settlement was founded in 473 AD and became an agricultural center that supplied grain, grapes, olives, and wine to the cities of Antioch and Apamea. This economic role brought prosperity to the community during Byzantine times.

The two-story houses with multiple rooms reveal how extended families organized their daily lives and shared spaces. Walking through them shows the importance of family bonds and collective living in this ancient society.

The site sits on sloping terrain with significant elevation changes, so comfortable walking shoes and time to explore are important. The stone structures are partially degraded, so visitors should exercise caution when entering buildings.

The settlement included an andron, a designated meeting space for men, revealing details about the social structure and gathering practices of the inhabitants. This space served as an important focal point in the community's public life.

Location: Idlib Governorate

Part of: Dead Cities, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site

GPS coordinates: 35.69250,36.48528

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48