This city is located on the Syrian coast, 55 km to the south of Latakia. It was an ancient Phoenician seaport. The Greeks called it Balemia. It was famous for its orchards and its export of wood. Today it is better known for its oil refinery. It still contains citrus fruit orchards surrounded by green hills. On one of the hills is the imposing al-Marqab Citadel, a huge fortress of black basalt stone.

Other cities in Syria...   •   Syria   •   Aleppo   •   Arwad   •   Banyas   •   Bosra   •   Damascus   •   Hama   •   Homs   •   Latakia   •   Palmyra   •   Tartus   •   Zabadani