The city of Baniyas is a port and coastal city on the Mediterranean. Its surroundings bring together historical traces in very different forms: the clearly defined medieval defensive tower Burj al-Sabi and scattered Bronze Age fortification remains on a hill that is now predominantly a residential area.

Burj al-Sabi and Marqab Castle

Burj al-Sabi dates from the late 12th century and is located in Baniyas, two kilometres west of Marqab Castle. It was designed as an outer line of defence for the castle. Their proximity and military function thus connect the two places in a specific historical relationship.

Its square ground plan measures 16.2 × 16.2 metres, and it rises to a height of up to 18 metres. The tower has two storeys, one of which contains a cistern carved into the rock. The equal side lengths give the ground plan a regular geometry; the height adds another dimension to the structure. The cistern is a single feature built into the rock.

Within the broader destination of Tartus, Burj al-Sabi stands on a rocky hill 25 metres above sea level. The tower has been on Syria’s national monuments list since 1958. This gives it two distinct points of reference in time: its construction in the late 12th century and its listing. Further restoration is needed to make the tower more suitable for visitors. Check access before visiting.

Al-Qawz: Bronze Age traces in a residential area

A different historical scale can be found on the hill in Baniyas’s al-Qawz residential district. It covers about six hectares and was already fortified in the Bronze Age. Today, the hill is predominantly covered with residential buildings. Parts of the old fortifications and scattered archaeological remains have survived within the residential area; al-Qawz is not an organised archaeological site.

The contrast with Burj al-Sabi is revealing: the focus at the tower is a single structure with clearly stated dimensions and a defensive function. By contrast, al-Qawz is defined by a larger area, partially preserved fortification remains and its current residential use. Around Baniyas, history can therefore be encountered both in a single structure and in scattered traces within an inhabited district.

Tartus: Arwad and its urban heritage

In the broader destination of Tartus, Arwad showcases another form of cultural heritage. The modern town preserves a dense urban fabric, remains of Cyclopean walls, the harbour and two medieval forts. Unlike the single Burj al-Sabi, the urban structure and several architectural remains together form Arwad’s historic character.

Arwad’s heritage also includes a craft tradition: wooden ship and boat building there dates back to Phoenician times and is more than 2,500 years old. This tradition adds another dimension to the view of the walls and forts. Together, Arwad’s urban history and long shipbuilding tradition stand side by side.

Discover more destinations: Baniyas

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Tartus.