10+ Unbelievable Crusader Castles in Lebanon
Welcome to our list of the most unbelievable Crusader castles in Lebanon!
Lebanon is home to a number of Crusader castles and citadels, many of which are in a state of ruin today. The Crusaders were a group of European knights who came to the Holy Land during the 11th and 12th centuries to fight for control of the region. During their time in Lebanon, they built a number of strongholds, including the Byblos Crusader Castle and the Tripoli Citadel. Although these fortifications were built for strategic purposes, they also served as symbols of power and wealth. Today, they stand as testimony to a turbulent period in Lebanon's history. Although they are in a state of decay, these Crusader castles and citadels remain an important part of Lebanon's heritage.
Without further ado, let your modern pilgrimage begin!
10+ Unbelievable Crusader Castles in Lebanon
1) Saint Gilles Crusader Castle (Tripoli Castle)
Saint Gilles Crusader castle, also called Qala’at San Jil and Qala’at Tarablus, is a top-visited site in Tripoli, Lebanon. The castle was founded in 636 CE and is one of the earliest buildings in Lebanese history. It was captured and retaken by the Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans due to its strategic importance. The fortress is a perfect example of defensive military architecture, from its balconies above the metal doors to its arrow slits in the walls. The castle’s underwater corridors even acted as commanders’ escape routes, with one said to extend all the way to El-Mina, Tripoli’s port. Saint Gilles Crusader castle is a must-see for anyone interested in Lebanese history or Crusader castles.
Photo credits: @theremotetraveller
2) Mseilha Fort
The Mseilha Fort is a fortification situated north of the village of Hamat in Lebanon. Emir Fakhreddine II constructed the existing fort in the 17th century to protect the passage from Tripoli to Beirut. The Nahr el-Jawz River is nearby, and the fort is situated on a tall, narrow limestone rock. The fort has three levels, and it was designed to be defended by a small garrison. It was used as a base for attacks on Tripoli, and it also served as a refuge for Christian villagers who were fleeing from Muslim armies. In recent years, the Lebanese government has restored the fort, and it is now open to tourists. The Mseilha Fort is a fascinating example of Arabic military architecture, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Lebanon.
Photo credits: @christellealissa
3) Sidon Sea Castle
The Saida Crusader Sea Castle is a Crusader castle in Lebanon. It is situated in an old Phoenician city right next to the beach. It is believed that the location was once a king’s palace and a haven during innumerable conflicts, the remains of which may have been destroyed by earthquakes. The actual fortress was constructed in the 13th century by Crusaders before being destroyed and occupied by the Mamluks. Later, it was rebuilt, and at the same time, a long corridor was added. After a while, the fortress was abandoned and not repaired until Emir Fakhreddine II. The Crusader Sea Castle is considered an important site in the city of Sidon and is one of Lebanon's most popular — and Instagrammable landmarks.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
4) Saint Louis Castle
Although the site of the Castle of St. Louis is now mostly just a ruin, it is said to have been the acropolis of an ancient city. Some remains from this time still exist, including a theater. To the south of the citadel is a mound of debris called Murex Hill. This artificial mound was formed by the accumulation of refuse from the purple dye factories of Phoenician times. Mosaic tiling at the top of the mound suggests that Roman buildings were erected there when the area was no longer used as a dumping ground. Part of the hill today is covered by a park, which offers visitors a chance to see some of the remaining ruins up close.
Photo credits: wikipedia.org
5) Beaufort Castle
Some Crusader sites in Lebanon are harder to get to than others. While this particular Lebanese Crusader castle is on the harder-to-reach end of the spectrum, it’s worth the trip. Beaufort Castle in Arnoun, Nabatiyeh, also known as Belfort Castle and locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif (Castle of the High Rock), is a Crusader fortification built in 1137 A.D. It went from the Crusaders to the Mamelouks and then to the Ottomans. It even earned the moniker Beaufort because of its appearance: like a beautiful fortress looming on a high rock. Indeed, it offers quite a view of the Litani River Valley - making it quite a strategic spot during medieval times. Today, visitors can still admire Crusader architectural features such as its underground cisterns and living quarters designed as vaults supported by columns. There is also a chapel on site though only its apse remains standing. But really, it is the breathtaking panorama - made all the more special because it is not often that one gets to see Crusader sites in Lebanon - that makes a visit to Qalaat al-Shaqif worth your while.
Photo credits: tripadvisor.com
6) Byblos Citadel
Byblos is a city in Lebanon that is home to the Crusader castle known as The Castle of Gibelet. The castle was built by the Crusaders and is said to have belonged to the Genoese Embriaco family, who were lords of the city during that past era. In addition to the castle, Byblos is also home to the temple of Baalat Gebal and other ancient places of worship. This ancient temple was built over 7000 years ago and is one of the oldest temples in the world. Visitors can explore the temple ruins and learn about the history of this fascinating site. There are plenty of other things to see and do in Byblos as well. The city has a lively souk (market), a wax museum, a scenic port, and the Saint John-Marc Cathedral, which was built by the crusaders in 1115 AD. Whether you're interested in history or just want to enjoy a beautiful city, Byblos is definitely worth a visit.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
7) Smar Jbeil Citadel
The Crusader castle of Smar Jbeil is one of the most renowned Crusader castles in Lebanon. It is also known as "Asmar Jbeil" or "Samar Jbeil Citadel". The Crusader castle is located in the Batroun District in the north of Lebanon. The majority of historians agree that the Phoenicians constructed the citadel, which was governed by the Persian Empire around 555 B.C. In 331 B.C., Alexander of Macedon (the Great) gained ownership of it. The castle served later as the First Maronite Catholic Patriarch Saint John Maron's See until he went to Kfarhay during the Middle Ages when the Maronites and their army, the Maradaites, sought safety there. The Crusader castle has undergone many changes and additions throughout its history. However, it still retains its original Crusader style architecture.
Photo credits: @christellealissa
8) Toron Castle
Toron Castle, also known as Qalaat Tibnin or Tebnine, is a Crusader castle located in the town of Tebnine in Nabatieh Governorate in southern Lebanon. The castle was built in the 12th century AD by the Crusader lord Joscelin III to control the strategic road from Tyre to Damascus. Today, the castle is one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in Lebanon, and it is a popular tourist destination. Visitors to Toron Castle can explore its various buildings, as well as climb to the top of the keep for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Photo credits: arar-co.com
9) Doubiye Castle
Doubiye Castle, also called Qalaat Chaqra, is a Crusader castle from the 12th century AD that can be found near the Lebanese village of Chaqra in the Nabatieh Governorate. The Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman dynasties later repaired it after it was originally constructed. Today, the castle is in ruins, but it is still an imposing sight. The foreboding walls and towers stand as a reminder of the once-powerful Crusader presence in Lebanon. Although the castle is now a shadow of its former self, it remains an interesting site for history buffs and anyone interested in exploring Lebanon's rich past.
Photo credits: medium.com
10) Scandelion Castle
The Crusader castle known as Scandelion, or Kherbet Iskandaroûna, was constructed in 1116 AD during Baldwin I's reign. It was used as a high ground to protect the city of Tyre from attacks. The Crusaders captured the city of Iskandarouna in 1124 and renamed it Scandelion. The castle was built on a strategic location that overlooks both Tyre and Naqoura. Today, the ruins of the castle are still visible and it is a popular tourist destination.
Photo credits: islamicart.museumwnf.org
11) Anfeh Crusader Castle
Perched atop a rocky outcropping overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Crusader castle at Anfeh has stood for nearly 900 years as a testament to the strategic importance of this site. Built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, the castle was designed to control access to the nearby port city of Tripoli. In subsequent centuries, it changed hands several times between the Crusaders and Muslim forces, eventually falling into ruins. Today, the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination, offering visitors sweeping views of the coastline as well as a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
People Also Ask These Questions About Crusader Castles in Lebanon
How many Crusader castles are in Lebanon?
Lebanon is home to a number of Crusader castles, which were built during the 12th and 13th centuries. Some of the notable Crusader castles in Lebanon include the Castle of Beaufort, which was captured by Saladin in 1189; Byblos Castle, and Tripoli Castle. Although they no longer serve their original purpose, these castles are reminders of a time when Lebanon was at the center of the Crusading world.
What are the best Crusader castles in Lebanon?
There are several Crusader castles in Lebanon that are worth visiting. One of the best is Byblos Castle, which was built by the Crusaders in the early 12th century. The castle is well-preserved and features a number of interesting features. Visitors can also explore the atmospheric underground passages, which were used by the Crusaders to store supplies and ammunition. Another great Crusader castle in Lebanon is Beaufort Castle, which is located in the south of the country. The castle was built in the 12th century and was one of the most important strongholds of the Crusaders in Lebanon. It fell to Muslim forces in 1189 but was recaptured by the Crusaders in 1197. Today, visitors can explore the ruined castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
How long were the Crusaders in Lebanon?
The Crusaders were in Lebanon for nearly two hundred years, from the early 12th century until the late 14th century. During that time, they established a number of Crusader states in the Levant, including the County of Tripoli, the Principality of Antioch, and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In addition, the Crusaders helped to bring about economic and social changes in the Levant, including the introduction of new crops and the development of new trade routes. Ultimately, however, the Crusaders were unable to hold on to their territories in the face of determined Muslim opposition, and they were ultimately forced to withdraw from the Levant.
Were the Knights Templar in Lebanon?
There is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not the Knights Templar was ever in Lebanon. Some historians believe that they may have established a presence there during the Crusades, while others contend that there is no evidence to support this claim. The Knights Templar were a group of warrior monks who fought during the Crusades, and they are known to have had a presence in many parts of the Holy Land. Lebanon would have been a logical place for them to establish a base, given its strategic location and its importance to the Crusades. However, there is no concrete evidence that they ever did so. In any case, the question of whether or not the Knights Templar were in Lebanon remains shrouded in mystery.