Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa


Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa was a Catholic cathedral in the city of Tartus, Syria, erected during the 12th century. It has been described by historians as "the best-preserved religious structure of the crusades".
According to a legend, the place corresponds to where Peter founded a small church.
After capture by the Mamluks, the cathedral was turned into a mosque. Today, the building serves as the National Museum of Tartus.

History

St. Peter, commissioned by Jesus Christ to build his Church, founded a small church in Tortosa in honor of the Virgin Mary on his travels through Phoenicia.
The cathedral was erected on that site for Byzantine pilgrimages. It was built initially in Romanesque style and then gothic style during the 12th century.
From 1152 under mid-13th century, the Knights Templars governed the area. Since the town was repeatedly threatened by the Mamluks, the church building was fortified.
Tartus was allegedly the last holdings of the Knights Templars in the Near East. After capture, the cathedral was turned into a mosque. During the Ottoman period, the building was used as a stable. Since 1956, the prior church building has housed the National Museum of Tartus, which exhibits some archaeological objects.