 Introduction
Tartus or Tartous with over 160 000 inhabitants is second most
important Syrian's coast after Latakia.
It situated on the Mediterranean coast opposite Arwad Island
and It is about 90 km from Homs, 251
km from Damascus, 105 km from
Hama, and 90 km from Latakia. Tartus
has developed rapidly over the recent years, and has nearly lost its charm
as a small fishing town. (Tartus
Location Map)
History
Tartus was founded in antiquity as Antaradus (Anti-Aradus -
the town facing Arwad), a Phoenician colony of Aradus (now Arwad
Island). It was rebuilt in AD 346 by Emperor Constantine I who
renamed it Constantia and flourished during Roman and
Byzantine times. It became a major Christian stronghold and during the
fourth century a chapel 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.
Crusaders occupied Tartus, then known as Tortosa, in
the European Middle Ages, converting it into a fortress-town and
successfully defending it against devastating attacks in the 12th century.
Crusaders built upon this miracle the church 'Our Lady of Tortosa'
in 1123.This miracle was further enhanced by an icon of the Virgin believed
to be painted by St. Luke resembling the one in Seidnaya. It now houses this
altar and has received many pilgrims. Nur Al Din occupied
Tartus for a brief time and then it was recaptured by the Crusaders. Tartus
was placed under the control of the Templars who rebuilt and redeveloped its
defenses. It was then recaptured by Saladin in 1188, whence the
Templars locked themselves into the keep. However it was rebuilt and
remained under Templar control until 1291. Tartous was the last stand the
Templars had on the mainland of Syria departing to Arwad, which they kept
for another decade. From the beginning of the Ottoman conquest,
the town declined in importance until its port was rejuvenated in the 20th
century.
Attractions and historical building
- The Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, now the
town's museum, is a perfect example of 13th-century crusader architecture.
- The Castle of the Templars (late 12th to early 13th century), now
mostly in ruins, can be seen in the older part of Tartus.
- 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 can be visited by a regular boat-ride service. Only 3 Km away, it only
takes 20 minutes to get there.
Arwad, or Arvad to the Phoenicians and Aradus to the Greeks
and Romans, was first used for urban settlement by 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. |
