Tartus - Main Sights

Main Sights

The historic centre of Tartus consists of more recent buildings built on and inside the walls of the Crusader-era Templar fortress, whose moat still separates this old town from the modern city on its northern and eastern sides. Outside the fortress few historic remains can be seen, with the exception of the former cathedral of Notre-Dame of Tartus (Our Lady of Tortosa), from the 12th century. The church is now the site of a museum. Former President Hafez Assad and his predominantly Islamic administration had promised to return the site to the Christians as a symbol of deep Christianity in Syria, however he died before this promise was executed. Assad's son, President Bashar Assad, has claimed to honor his father's promise.

Tartus and the surrounding area are rich in antiquities and archeological sites. Various important and well known sites are located within a 30-minute drive from Tartus. These attractions include:

• The old city of Tartus.
• Marqab Castle, north of the city.
• The historic Town of Safita.
• Arwad island and castle.
• The ancient cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, now used as the city museum.
• Beit el-Baik Palace.
• Hosn Suleiman Temple.
• Mashta Al Helou resort.
• Drekish town-resort.

The outlying town of Al Hamidiyah just south of Tartus is notable for having a Greek-speaking population of about 3,000 who are Muslims in their religion. Their ancestors moved there in the late 19th century from Crete. Since the start of the Iraqi War, a few thousands Iraqi nationals now reside in Tartus.