· SY

As Suwaydā’

As Suwayda', As Suwayda', Syria

Step Back in Time in As Suwayda', Syria Tucked away in Southern Syria, As Suwayda' offers a captivating glimpse into a land steeped in history and culture. This ancient city, known for its distinctive black basalt archit…

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into As Suwaydā’.

Top Hotels in As Suwaydā’

Top Flights to As Suwaydā’

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in As Suwaydā’.

Tours

Explore Shahba Ancient City

Visit the ancient Roman city of Shahba known for its well-preserved ruins, mosaics, and remnants of Roman architecture.

Sweida Archaeological Museum Visit

Explore ancient artifacts and exhibits highlighting the rich history of the region at Sweida Archaeological Museum.

Shopping

As Suwayda Central Market

Discover local products, crafts, and traditional Syrian goods at the bustling central market.

Outdoor

Hiking in Jabal al-Arab

Hike the picturesque trails of Jabal al-Arab, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Serge City Park Picnic

Enjoy a relaxing day in Serge City Park with family activities and beautiful gardens.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in As Suwaydā’.

Currency

SYP | SYP | Syrian Pound

Population

Not Available

Languages

Arabic, English

Average weather

As Suwaydā’

Jan

8°0°

Feb

10°1°

Mar

14°3°

Apr

19°7°

May

24°11°

Jun

28°15°

Jul

31°18°

Aug

31°18°

Sep

28°15°

Oct

23°11°

Nov

16°6°

Dec

10°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on As Suwaydā’.

What people love

Traveling to As Suwaydā’, a city in southwestern Syria, offers several potential attractions and benefits:

Cultural Heritage: As Suwaydā’ is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The region has been inhabited since ancient times and contains archaeological sites that reflect its diverse history, including Roman and Byzantine ruins.
Druze Community: The city is predominantly inhabited by the Druze, a religious and ethnic minority, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
Natural Beauty: The surrounding area is characterized by scenic landscapes, including fertile plains and hills, which are ideal for hiking and exploring nature. The region's geography offers a contrast to the more arid parts of Syria.
Local Cuisine: Visitors can experience local Syrian and Druze cuisine, which is known for its flavorful dishes and hospitality. Traditional meals often feature ingredients like lamb, chickpeas, and spices.
Wine Production: As Suwaydā’ is known for its vineyards and wine production. The region's climate is suitable for growing grapes, and local wineries offer wine tasting and tours.
Friendly Locals: The residents of As Suwaydā’ are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors, providing a welcoming atmosphere.

It is important to note that due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, travelers should carefully consider current safety advisories and travel restrictions. It is advisable to consult up-to-date travel advice from reliable sources before planning a visit.

What to know

As Suwaydā is a province in southern Syria known for its historical sites and cultural heritage. However, traveling to As Suwaydā may have some cons due to the political situation in Syria. Here are some potential disadvantages to consider:

Safety concerns: Syria has been experiencing a civil war since 2011, and there are ongoing security risks throughout the country, including in As Suwaydā. The region has seen sporadic violence and clashes, which could pose a threat to travelers' safety.
Limited infrastructure: Due to the conflict, the infrastructure in As Suwaydā may be inadequate or damaged. This could affect the availability of basic services such as healthcare, transportation, and accommodations.
Political instability: The political situation in Syria is complex and can change rapidly. Travelers to As Suwaydā may face uncertainty and potential disruptions due to political instability in the region.
Travel restrictions: The Syrian government may impose restrictions on travel within the country, including As Suwaydā. Travelers may encounter difficulties obtaining visas or permits to visit the region.
Language barrier: Arabic is the official language in Syria, and English is not widely spoken in As Suwaydā. This could make it challenging for travelers to communicate and navigate the area.

It is essential to stay informed about the current situation in Syria and As Suwaydā and to consider these potential cons before planning a trip to the region. It is always advisable to consult with official travel advisories and local authorities for the most up-to-date information on safety and security in the area.

Please note that the information provided is based on the general situation in Syria and As Suwaydā and may not cover all specific details. For the most accurate and current information, it is recommended to consult with relevant authorities and sources.

As Suwaydā’, also known as Sweida, is a city in southwestern Syria and the capital of the As Suwaydā’ Governorate. It is situated in the Hauran region, which is known for its volcanic plains. The city has a rich history, shaped by various civilizations and influences over the centuries. Here is a detailed history of As Suwaydā’:

Ancient and Classical History

Nabataean Period: As Suwaydā’ and its surrounding areas were initially part of the Nabataean Kingdom. The Nabataeans were known for their trade routes and their capital, Petra.
Roman Era: The region came under Roman control in the 1st century AD. During this time, the city was known as Dionysias, named after the Greek god Dionysus. The Romans developed infrastructure and integrated the city into the larger network of Roman trade and culture.
Byzantine Period: Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the area became part of the Byzantine Empire. During this time, Christianity spread, and many churches and religious structures were built.

Islamic and Ottoman Periods

Islamic Conquest: In the 7th century, the region was conquered by Muslim Arab armies, becoming part of the Islamic Caliphate. Over time, the culture and religion of the area were transformed under Islamic rule.
Ottoman Rule: As Suwaydā’ became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. The Ottomans ruled the region for several centuries, during which time it experienced relative stability with an agricultural-based economy.

Modern History

Druze Community: As Suwaydā’ is known for its significant Druze population. The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority with a distinct culture. The city and the surrounding region have been centers of Druze life and culture in Syria.
French Mandate and Independence: After World War I, the region came under the French Mandate. During this period, As Suwaydā’ was part of the Jabal al-Druze State, created to give autonomy to the Druze community. Syria gained independence from French rule in 1946.
Druze Revolt: In 1925, As Suwaydā’ was a focal point of the Great Syrian Revolt against French colonial rule, led by Sultan al-Atrash, a prominent Druze leader. The revolt was significant in the history of Syrian nationalism.

Contemporary History

Syrian Civil War: Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war. As Suwaydā’ and its surrounding regions have generally been under government control but have experienced bouts of conflict and instability. The Druze community has largely tried to maintain neutrality, focusing on protecting their region.
Recent Developments: The city has seen protests and unrest related to economic conditions and political grievances, reflecting broader national challenges.

Important Landmarks

Roman Ruins: The city and its vicinity have several Roman ruins, including remnants of ancient temples, roads, and buildings.
Druze Religious Sites: There are numerous Druze religious sites in and around As Suwaydā’, reflecting the community's historical presence.
Sultan al-Atrash Museum: Dedicated to the Druze leader Sultan al-Atrash, the museum highlights the history of the Druze community and their role in Syrian history.

As Suwaydā’ continues to be a vital cultural and historical center in Syria, with its unique Druze heritage and its layers of historical significance from various periods.