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Tartus
Tartus
- is Syria's second most important coast after Latakia.
It is roughly 90 km from Homs, 251 km from Damascus, 105 km from
Hama, and 90 km from Latakia. See Map for distances between cities.
Tartus was founded by the Phoenician colony on Arwad and
remained an important settlement through the Hellenistic and Roman
times. It became a major Christian stronghold and during the fourth century
a chapel but was built here which is claimed to be the first dedicated to the Virgin
Mary. An Earthquake in 487 AD largely destroyed the chapel but a miracle
left its alter miraculously unscathed. Later the city and cathedral were attacked by
Saladin forces but the Knights Templars defended the
fortified city and it prevailed to be a Crusader town until 1291.
Besides the Cathedral, other attractions include the old city and a city wall that
preserves the beauty of the old city. The beaches and water are clean, and the
accommodations are excellent. There are many hotels and restaurants in the area.
Just 3 km off the coast of Tartus is Syria's only island Arwad. It
was an independent kingdom named Aradus in the days of the Canaanites.
It was often mentioned in inscriptions because of its importance in commerce and
seafaring. Arwad provided shelter for those escaping from foreign invasions in
ancient times, especially for the people of Amrit in the south of Tartus.
Amrit still retains its name since the 5th century BC. It has a temple surrounded by
water. Arwad is a beautiful, small island, with a mass of houses and fortresses and
narrow lanes. It has many cafes and restaurants overlooking Tartus and the sea.
Its ancient citadel was used as a prison for the nationalists during the resistance
against the French. The walls of some cells in this citadel are still covered with
the writings of the nationalists.
Other nearby attractions include Baniyas, Qalaat Yahmur,
Qalaat Areimeh, Draykish, Qalaat Kadmous,
Amrit, Safita, Crac des Chevaliers, Meshta
al-Helu, and the Monastery of St. George. |
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