www.syriantimes.com Banias, about 55 kilometers to the south of Lattakia on the Syrian Mediterranean coast, is an old Phoenician seaport. It was called "Balania" in olden times and was famous for citrus groves, green fields and forests.
However today, the presence of the oil refinery and its strategic position make Banias more important in modern times because of mans constant need and thirst for energy.
Al- Marqab citadel is located about 6 kilometers to the east of Banias and it rises 500 meters above sea level.
It is a big citadel surrounded with a huge wall and 14 towers over and above the citadel`s main tower.
Al- Marqab citadel rests on a high mount overlooking the sea and other distant mounts.
Banias citadel was built with basalt stones with dome- like rooms with accommodation for more than 1000 persons and store rooms for provisions that met the garrisons needs for more than 5 years.
Banias and its citadel today are prominent tourist attractions on the Mediterranean coast of Syria.
Thousands of visitors flock to the area every year to spend their holidays in the coo Banias summer resorts.
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