Amrit
Ruins Ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins near Tartus coast
The ruins at Amrit near Tartus preserve Phoenician and Roman-era remains along Syria’s coast. Archaeologists and history-minded travellers visit for coastal archaeology and the site’s ancient structures.
Amrit is an ancient Phoenician-Roman coastal settlement in Syria’s Tartus Governorate, notable for its temple precinct and rock-cut funerary remains dating back to the first millennium BCE and later Roman phases.
Ruined stone buildings and a prominent temple precinct survive across a compact rocky headland, together with a series of funerary cuttings and sarcophagi carved into the limestone. The layout is concentrated and walkable, so typical visits focus on the temple area and the adjacent necropolis.
The settlement originated in the Phoenician period and continued under Hellenistic and Roman influence; structures and reworkings visible at the site reflect that long occupation. The necropolis and temple attest to the town’s role as a coastal cult and burial center across antiquity.
Sited on a coastal promontory in Tartus Governorate, the ruins stand near the modern coastline of western Syria, south of the city of Tartus and facing the Mediterranean Sea.
- Visitor note: Located on a low coastal headland with views over the Mediterranean, the site is exposed to sun and wind; light rainwear and sun protection are recommended.
- Archaeology: Excavations have revealed Phoenician and Roman-phase remains; much of the site is visible at surface level but without a large on-site museum.
What to See #
- Temple complex: An archaeological complex with a prominent temple precinct dedicated to a Phoenician goddess, several standing stone ruins, and nearby funerary structures carved into coastal limestone.
- Necropolis: A necropolis of rock-cut tombs and sarcophagus fragments set on the coastal slopes immediately adjacent to the settlement ruins.
How to Get to Amrit #
Amrit lies on Syria’s coastal plain in Tartus Governorate. The nearest major town is Tartus; access typically requires a car from Tartus city, following coastal or inland local roads. Check current security and access conditions before travel.
Tips for Visiting Amrit #
- If visiting, coordinate with local guides based in Tartus - Syrian security and access conditions can change without notice.
- The site is relatively obscure: bring local maps and an offline GPS; many small archaeological ruins are unmarked.
- Carry water and sun protection - the coastal plain sun is intense in summer.
Best Time to Visit Amrit #
Best in spring and autumn for tolerable temperatures and clearer access conditions.
Weather & Climate near Amrit #
Amrit's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (815 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.