Amrit عمريت

Amrit (عمريت) was a Phoenician religious center, and in terms of the visible remains it is arguably the most impressive Phoenician site in Syria. The ruins include a temple complex and numerous tombs, though the site was also a continental port for the settlement on Arwad (ارواد) island. The architectual styles show Persian and Egyptian influence, and the Romans built a stadium here in the 4th century. Amrit (عمريت) is definitely a worthwhile excursion from Tartus (طرطوس).

The ruins are spread out over a large area, the stadium and temple complex to the north, the tombs located about one kilometer to the south. Note that this is officially a military area. While the military personnel here are familiar with tourists coming through, do be careful not to wander off into their camps and, obviously, avoid taking photos of military buildings and equipment. You might be escorted around the site and/or have your photography restricted.

 

Getting There: Getting to Amrit (عمريت) is slightly more complicated than it should be, given that it is only about six kilometers south of Tartus (طرطوس). Any microbus traveling from Tartus (طرطوس) to al-Hameidiyeh (الحميدية) will pass within a few hundred meters of the site, but the ruins are not visible from the road and there are no signs. Look for the two fairly obvious radio towers on the right (west) side of the road about six kilometers outside of Tartus (طرطوس). The temple and stadium are immediately south of these towers. Ask the driver to stop once you’re just beyond the towers, and look for a path to the west. You’ll come upon the stadium after a few hundred meters, the temple another couple hundred meters to the southwest. Two tower tombs are about one kilometer south of the temple, a 15 minute walk, and another is a couple hundred meters on.

Alternatively, the coastal road the leads south out of Tartus (طرطوس) also passes by the western side of Amrit (عمريت). While no public transportation travels this road, it is a pleasant 1 and 1/2 hour walk along the coast to reach the site, much of which can be walked along the beach.

Coordinates: 34°50’19.65″N / 35°54’25.25″E (Temple)

Coordinates: 34°49’57.30″N / 35°54’42.50″E (Tombs)

Transliteration Variants: Amreet

Rating: 7.5 / 10