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Crusader, Page 2

Ras al-Basit & al-Badrusiyeh
رآس البسيط و البدروسية

Of the more developed beach resorts in Syria, the two small neighboring towns of Ras al-Basit & al-Badrusiyeh (رآس البسيط و البدروسية) are perhaps the nicest. Turquoise blue waters and mostly black sand beaches border the northern side of this peninsula, backed by lush vegetation. Bungalows for rent, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops line the main streets through these towns, which are practically empty and shut …

Tartus
طرطوس

Tartus (طرطوس) is the second largest city on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, a provincial capital, and home to an important seaport. It is most well-known for its important role during the Crusades, when it was called Tortosa, but its history dates back to the Phoenician period. It is a well-developed city that has numerous parks and a generally quiet, slow-paced atmosphere.  Historic remains include the old …

Arwad
ارواد

Arwad (ارواد) is Syria’s only inhabitable island, located 2.5 kilometers offshore from Tartus (طرطوس). The densely populated island has a long history dating back to the Phoenician period, but is more well known among Syrians for its numerous fish restaurants. While nothing from the Phoenicians remains, there are two small fortresses on the island, one left by the Crusaders which is open to visitors. This …

Qalaat al-Marqab
قلعة المرقب

Qalaat al-Marqab (قلعة المرقب) is a massive Crusader castle dominating a hilltop overlooking the main coastal highway between Tartus (طرطوس) and Lattakia (اللاذقية), just outside the town of Banias (بانياس). One of the most impressive castles in Syria, it should be considered a must-see if visiting the coastal region.   Getting There: It is easy to visit the castle from either Tartus (طرطوس) or Lattakia (اللاذقية), first by taking a …

Burj al-Sebi
برج الصبي

Burj al-Sebi (برج الصبي) is a single Crusader tower which now overlooks the main coastal highway. It is located on the southern edge of the town of Banias (بانياس) and southwest of Qalaat al-Marqab (قلعة المرقب). Historically, Burj al-Sebi (برج الصبي) protected access to the port and coastal route of Qalaat al-Marqab (قلعة المرقب). It is about 15 square meters and has two floors of accommodation and a basement, and …

Safita
صافيتا

Dominated by an imposing Crusader keep, the scenic mountain town of Safita (صافيتا) is well worth a visit. Safita (صافيتا) has a charming and picturesque old town and a certain open and liberal feel to it. The population is predominantly split between Alawites and Christians. The area surrounding Safita (صافيتا) is known for beautiful mountain resorts, popular in the summer to escape the heat. Safita (صافيتا) makes …

Qalaat Yahmur
قلعة يحمور

Qalaat Yahmur (قلعة يحمور) is a small, compact fortress about 12 kilometers southeast of Tartus (طرطوس) in the center of the village of Yahmur (يحمور). It is in a great state of preservation, and has recently undergone some restoration. A family lived on the bottom floor of the central keep until recently, but it is now abandoned. While this is a fairly minor site compared …

Qalaat al-Arimeh
قلعة العريمة

Qalaat al-Arimeh (قلعة العريمة) is a large Crusader castle located near the village of al-Safsafeh (الصفصافة) to the southeast of Tartus (طرطوس). The remains are in a fairly poor state of preservation, and largely overrun with vegetation, but several towers survive and the site is a popular picnic spot with locals. Qalaat al-Arimeh (قلعة العريمة) is worth a visit if only to admire the scale of the defenses and …