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Latakia
is Syria's main seaport on the Mediterranean (186km southwest of Aleppo).
It has retained its importance since ancient times. Latakia was one of
the five cities built by Salukis Nikator in the 2nd century BC. He named
it after his mother Luadetia.
Not many ancient remains have survived in Latakia, but there are four
columns and a Roman arch from the time of Septimus Severus (circa 200
AD), in addition to a beautiful Ottoman construction called "Khan al-Dukhan",
which is now a museum.
Latakia is the Seagate to Syria. It is well provided with accommodation,
and is well placed as a base from which to explore the coastal regions
of the country.
There are beaches, mountains, archaeological sites and many relies of the Crusaders, all within a few hours from each other.
Mention should also be made of the historically important Ras Shamra,
only 16Km to the north of Latakia. This is the site of Ugarit, the kingdom
that had a golden past in administration, education, diplomacy, law, religion
and economics between the 16th and 13th centuries BC. It is the kingdom
that gave humanity the first alphabet in the world. This alphabet is still
preserved on a clay tablet at the National Museum in Damascus.
Documents, statues and jewels from the Ugarit kingdom are also on display at the Latakia, Aleppo and Tartus museums.
Lattakia Hotels : (select from list)
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