National Museum of Latakia

The National Museum of Latakia in Latakia contains finds from multiple millennia organized across six exhibition halls. The building displays works from ancient times through the Islamic period and includes an outdoor area with stone objects such as capitals, ornaments, and burial monuments.

The museum building was originally known as Khan al-Dukhan and served as a center for tobacco trade and lodging during the 16th century Ottoman period. Its transformation into a museum shows how historic structures gain new purposes in modern times.

The collection displays objects from multiple periods, including tablets from Ugarit, ancient jewelry, coins, and ceramics that reflect the daily life of past cultures. Visitors can observe how people made and used similar items across thousands of years.

The museum garden is open to visitors and houses many displayed artifacts in the open air. Guests should allow time to explore the outdoor area where stone pieces and burial memorials are arranged in a relaxed setting.

In September 2014, local archaeologists discovered an underground tunnel beneath the museum building that extends to the coast. This hidden passage raises questions about ancient connections between the city and the sea.

Location: Latakia

Inception: 1986

GPS coordinates: 35.51780,35.77216

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44