The Dead Cities, also known as the Forgotten Cities, comprise approximately 700 abandoned settlements located in the northwest region of Syria, between Aleppo and Idlib. These settlements are primarily situated within an area known as the Limestone Massif, which stretches approximately 140 km (87 mi) in length and varies between 20–40 km (12–25 mi) in width. This region is characterized by its elevated limestone terrain, divided into three main highland groups: the northern Mount Simeon and Mount Kurd, the middle Harim Mountains, and the southern Zawiya Mountain.
Beit Shearim
Beit She’arim, known in Hebrew as בֵּית שְׁעָרִים (“House of Gates”), is a significant archaeological site located in the southern foothills of the Lower Galilee, 20 km east of Haifa, Israel. This site encompasses an extensive necropolis of rock-cut tombs which were part of the ancient Jewish town of Beit She’arim. The necropolis, recognized for its historical and cultural significance, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
Dashtadem Fortress
Dashtadem Fortress, also known as Qagheni Fortress, is a significant historical site located in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, near the village of Dashtadem. This fortress spans a broad timeline from the 5th to the 19th centuries AD, showcasing a variety of architectural styles and modifications that reflect the diverse historical periods it has witnessed.
Ani
Ani, a once-thriving medieval city located in the present-day province of Kars in Turkey, near the closed border with Armenia, serves as a significant cultural and historical site. The city’s rich history, architectural innovations, and its role as a cultural and economic hub during the medieval period make it a subject of considerable interest among historians and archaeologists.
Zvartnots Cathedral ruins
Zvartnots Cathedral, a significant relic of medieval Armenian architecture, is located near Vagharshapat, Armenia. Constructed in the 7th century AD, this cathedral is renowned for its distinctive circular design and complex structural features, which include interior piers supporting a multi-tiered arrangement topped by a dome. Despite its current state of ruin, Zvartnots remains a pivotal study subject in the evolution of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture.
El Pailón del Diablo
El Pailón del Diablo, or the Devil’s Cauldron, is a renowned waterfall located near the town of Baños de Agua Santa, commonly referred to as Baños, in Ecuador. This natural wonder is situated in the Río Verde area and forms part of the Ruta de las Cascadas, a popular tourist route that features multiple waterfalls along the Pastaza River. The waterfall itself plunges from a height of 80 meters (approximately 265 feet) into a 20-meter deep pool, surrounded by lush vegetation and rugged terrain.