Tartous, May 22 (SANA) The Archaeological Museum of Tartous, originally a 12th-century cathedral built during the Crusader period, stands as one of the key heritage landmarks on Syria’s Mediterranean coast and is currently undergoing restoration work.
According to Abdul Hayy Al-Muhammad, head of the Antiquities and Museums Department in Tartous, the building features massive stone columns and arched structures reflecting medieval architecture and forms an important part of the city’s cultural memory.
The structure has undergone several transformations over the centuries, including its conversion into a mosque during the Islamic conquests and later use as an arms depot before being designated as a museum in the 1950s.
It houses archaeological finds from Tartous and Latakia, including Phoenician stone sarcophagi and artifacts from successive civilizations along the Syrian coast.
The museum is currently closed for restoration and maintenance works aimed at preserving its structural integrity and ensuring compliance with modern conservation standards. Officials said it will reopen to visitors and researchers upon completion of the rehabilitation process.
The Tartous Museum, originally a medieval cathedral, remains a living testimony to the region’s rich civilizational heritage, underscoring the importance of safeguarding national archaeological assets for future generations.
kA.RK
