Street Called Straight

This street dates back to the Roman period and is 1.5 km long. It originally had gates at either end and was lined with columns, some of which can still be seen today. It runs from east-to-west in the old city. Bab Sharqi, the Roman "Gate of the Sun", can be seen at the east end of the street with its central arch for horse-drawn vehicles and the smaller arches for pedestrians. The Roman monumental arch is at the intersection of Straight Street and the Cardo Maximus, which was the north-south route. Street level now is about four metres higher than the original.