Pyramid Tomb of al-Bara
المدفن الهرمي في البارة
A square Byzantine tomb topped by a stone pyramid roof at al-Bara in Jabal al-Zawiya, an emblem of the Dead Cities.
Among the olive trees of al-Bara in Jabal al-Zawiya, south of Idlib, stands the pyramid tomb that has become a symbol of all the Dead Cities. It dates from the 5th–6th centuries, when al-Bara prospered on olives and vines.
A square building of finely cut limestone, it is roofed by a stone pyramid, with engaged Corinthian pilasters, carved floral friezes and crosses. Inside are stone sarcophagi of a wealthy local family.
Al-Bara has several pyramid tombs, but this is the most complete and beautiful, remarkably intact after fifteen centuries of earthquakes. Part of the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria World Heritage property.
Note: photos may not reflect the site's current condition.
For the visitor
Location: 35.6865, 36.5284 · Open on the map
Photos: Dosseman — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
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