The second most important Syrian seaport on the Mediterranean (90 km to the south of Latakia). It was called Antaradus by the Pheonicians and Tortusa by the Byzantines. Tortusa was to become one of supply ports for theCrusaders and a military base of considerable importance. It was held by the Templars, but recovered by Saladin in 1188.

The arches, wall-towers and narrow lanes in Tartus evoke what the twon must have been like in medieval times. A jewel of Romanesque art is the cathedral of Tartus, which is now a museum containing relics from various Syrian civilizations.