Ezraa

The church of Saint George at Ezraa has held services since the year 515, which puts it among the oldest churches in continuous use anywhere: a centralised basalt building whose octagon-in-square plan carries a dome, built - as its Greek inscription says - on the site of a pagan temple. The black stone of the Hauran gives it a gravity all its own, and a second ancient church, Saint Elias, stands nearby. Pilgrims still come for the saint's feast.

What you actually see

• The 515 inscription - the dedication carved over the door.
• The octagon dome - the early centralised plan in basalt.
• The relic shrine - the tomb associated with Saint George.
• The basalt town - Hauran black-stone building all around.

When to go

March to May and September to November are mild. The Saint George feast in spring is the living high point. Summer is hot on the plain.

Honest expectations

This is a working parish church - services come first and the key may need seeking. The town offers no visitor facilities. Regional access should be checked locally.

Nearby

Bosra is southeast, and Shahba is east.