Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa

Located in the heart of Tartus’ old city, this cathedral was erected circa 1145 AD following the Crusaders’ conquest of the city in 1099. Constructed on top of the remains of a preceding Byzantine church, it holds the distinction of being the earliest church in the Eastern Mediterranean consecrated to the Virgin Mary.

The edifice exemplifies Crusader architectural design and underwent successive phases of development during the tenure of the Knights Templar (1152–1291), notably incorporating defensive fortifications in the 1260s.

Subsequent to the Mamluk capture of Tartus in 1291, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. It was later repurposed as an Ottoman-era stable before its transformation into the Tartus National Museum in 1956.

Conservation status: The structure remains well preserved.