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    Home » Travel

    A Medieval Castle in Syria

    Published: Jun 6, 2011 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 37 Comments

    Crac des Chevaliers is medieval military castle that sits majestically on top of a 650 meter high hill in eastern Syria.  When you climb to the top of the castle and look down at the surrounding landscape it literally feels like you’re in the clouds…and it completely takes your breath away.

    Crac des Chevaliers (meaning “Fortress of Knights”) is located in the Homs Gap, which is east of Tartus and west of Homs in Syria.  For thousands of years this corridor was a hugely important route since it sits along the only route connecting Syria with the Mediterranean. 

    The castle was originally built by the Emir of Aleppo in 1031 to accommodate Kurdish garrisons.  However, during the Crusades the castle was the headquarters for the Knights Hospitaller and was actually where King Richard “The Lionheart” was based. 

    From 1150 to 1250 the Knights of the Order of St. John expanded Crac des Chevaliers to house a garrison of about 50 to 60 Hospitaller knights and 2,000 foot soldiers, along with provisions to last up to five years.  They made it into the largest Crusader fortress in the Holy Land, with a three-meter-thick outer wall and seven guard towers eight to ten meters thick.  The inner ward, which was rebuilt in a Gothic style, included aqueducts, cisterns, large halls, storerooms, living quarters, a meeting hall, a chapel, and stables that could have held up to 1,000 horses.

    In 1271 Mamluk Sultan Baybars used a military trick to gain possession of the castle.  After a month-long fight, Baybars presented the castle’s defenders with a forged letter from the Crusader Count of Tripoli ordering them to relinquish the castle.  The defenders walked out and all Baybars had to do was walk in.

    Mike and I visited the breathtaking Crac des Chevaliers when we were in the Middle East.  The castle is incredibly well-preserved so that whether you’re walking through its dark corridors or spacious vaulted rooms, it’s easy to imagine the bustling daily activities that went on when the castle was inhabited.  Hope you enjoy our pictures!

    On the way from Homs to Crac des Chevaliers we were taken away by the stunning landscape…

    The fog-laden valley below the castle…

    Outside the castle…

    Inside the castle…

     

    Historical information on Crac des Chevaliers in this post was compiled from the following sources (listed in random order):

    http://www.sacred-destinations.com/syria/krak-des-chevaliers
    http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Syria/West/Krak-des-Chevaliers/blog-286942.html
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak_des_Chevaliers
    http://www.stronghold-knights.com/site/article209.html
    http://www.atlastours.net/syria/cracdeschevaliers.html
    http://wikitravel.org/en/Crac_des_Chevaliers
    http://www.gonomad.com/features/0511/crac.html

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    1. Anna Johnston says

      June 12, 2011 at 5:49 pm

      stunning..... awesome. I love it when my bloggie friends take me with them on their travels like this. The castle is amazing isn't it, you can just feel the centuries of people & its inhabitants still bustling around the old stones huh. 1000 horses huh! Incredible.

      Reply
    2. Priscilla - She's Cookin' says

      June 11, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      I've never been to Syria, but through your breathtaking photos, feel as if I'm standing within the walls of this castle, awestruck by its history. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos from your trip!

      Reply
    3. Carolyn Jung says

      June 09, 2011 at 10:04 pm

      How impressive that castle is. And what good shape it's still in. I love exploring places like that because you truly feel like you're stepping back in time.

      Reply
    4. Lisa says

      June 07, 2011 at 7:35 pm

      Wow---breathtaking! I can't even begin to imagine what it was like to see in person!

      Reply
    5. Nicole, RD says

      June 07, 2011 at 1:21 pm

      STUNNING! I saw this post pop up in my inbox this morning and I read it as I was waking up this morning, but I'm glad I returned to see the photos full-sized. So, so pretty!

      Reply
    6. Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says

      June 07, 2011 at 12:26 pm

      Ohmygosh I would looooooove to take paul here! He drags me to military forts all the time and would LOVE exploring this castlej

      Reply
    7. Emily @Cleanliness says

      June 07, 2011 at 12:20 pm

      These photos are GORGEOUS!!!!!

      Reply
    8. Tanvi@SinfullySpicy says

      June 07, 2011 at 12:09 pm

      I love such places- the scenic beauty & gorgeous architecture always attracts me.We have a state in northern India which is full of such old castles.No wonder it is one of my fav spots to hangi around!Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures!

      Reply
    9. Krista says

      June 07, 2011 at 11:53 am

      WOW!! Absolutely STUNNING photos, Faith. :-) Perusing these just makes my heart want to burst with happiness. :-) I feel like I've escaped my office and had a delightful wander in Syria. Love it. :-)

      Reply
    10. pachecopatty says

      June 07, 2011 at 9:27 am

      Beautiful pictures, looks like a fascinating castle to explore and the views are stunning as well. Thanks for sharing Faith;-)

      Reply
    11. Angie's Recipes says

      June 07, 2011 at 8:51 am

      The castle looks amazing! Thanks for sharing those photos with us.

      Reply
    12. nancy at good food matters says

      June 07, 2011 at 8:29 am

      thank you for sharing these remarkable pictures, Faith. It is unlikely that I will visit Syria, but now I've gotten another glimpse of your special journey.

      Reply
    13. Fiona says

      June 07, 2011 at 8:17 am

      Amazing! Beautiful pics Faith. I want to make a trip to Syria too.
      Thankfully it's not too far away from where I am. I love the greenery and the old-fashioned buildings.
      Your trip must have been out of this world....

      Reply
    14. marla {family fresh cooking} says

      June 07, 2011 at 8:04 am

      Thanks for taking me on this beautiful journey this morning Faith...love seeing your travel photos.

      Reply
    15. Krista says

      June 07, 2011 at 8:01 am

      How beautiful is that? Looks like you had a gorgeous day to take full advantage of the sights!

      Reply
    16. Bizzy says

      June 07, 2011 at 7:49 am

      Fabulous photos.

      They show strength and speak volumes. This was a nice intermission from looking at food.

      Reply
    17. Bizzy says

      June 07, 2011 at 7:46 am

      Fabulous photos. They show such strength. The first one, standing there, facing the world below speaks volumes. What a nice break from food. Thanks, Faith.

      Reply
    18. Blond Duck says

      June 07, 2011 at 5:57 am

      I want to live in a castle!

      Reply
    19. FOODESSA says

      June 07, 2011 at 4:56 am

      Syria is certainly incredibly enchanting...especially since I managed to steal a peek at some of your past posts. Stunning landscapes surrounds such interesting historical architecture.

      Btw...the roasted carrot and lentil soup looked like something I'll be making very soon.
      Also...a small comment about that fabulous Red-velvet celebratory cake...wow, especially for two persons who apparently are sweet tooths. LOL

      Glad to be back to visualizing and appreciating your experience and views of our culinary world ;o)

      Ciao for now,
      Claudia

      Reply
    20. Joanne says

      June 07, 2011 at 4:51 am

      These are some breathtaking photos, Faith! I can't believe you got so up close and personal to structures with so much history!

      Reply
    21. Veronica says

      June 07, 2011 at 12:43 am

      Breathtaking views! I bet it felt quite extraordinary to see and stand in something built nearly 1,000 years ago! And to imagine all the history that took place within those walls! Astounding. So pretty, too! I love your photography.

      Reply
    22. lequan says

      June 06, 2011 at 9:49 pm

      These are beautiful pictures you've shared with us, Faith. That castle looks so magical. I love the shot of the top of it. It's peaceful places like these that make us appreciate our time away from the hustle and bustle of a noisy city life.

      Reply
    23. Reeni says

      June 06, 2011 at 7:38 pm

      The scenes ARE stunning! And the castle is gargantuan! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures with us Faith!

      Reply
    24. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      June 06, 2011 at 7:14 pm

      Thank you for taking us there with you Faith! The pictures are breathtaking! :D

      Reply
    25. Simply Life says

      June 06, 2011 at 5:59 pm

      wow!!! those pictures are just GORGEOUS!!!!

      Reply
    26. Susan says

      June 06, 2011 at 4:36 pm

      If those stone walls could speak! What a beautiful castle and the views are amazing.

      Reply
    27. Stevie says

      June 06, 2011 at 3:05 pm

      This looks incredible. I love trips like this: feeling connected to history in a breath taking and unusually memorable place. Thanks for sharing the great pics and the history lesson. Love it!

      Reply
    28. BeadedTail says

      June 06, 2011 at 2:47 pm

      What an incredible, amazing place! Your photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    29. Juliana says

      June 06, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      It seems that I just traveled with you...beautiful pictures...thank you so much for posting your experience. Have a great week Faith :-)

      Reply
    30. Heavenly Housewife says

      June 06, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      What a magical place, and what beautiful pictures. This is probably the next best thing to being there.
      *kisses* HH

      Reply
    31. deana@lostpastremembered says

      June 06, 2011 at 12:47 pm

      I've never been to the mideast... what a thrilling place Syria is! That castle is just staggeringly cool and you took such wonderful pictures.. well done, Faith!

      Reply
    32. Jessica says

      June 06, 2011 at 11:56 am

      That is absolutely stunningly gorgeous. I love medieval castles - it always amazes me how majestic they look while maintaining its strong defense purposes.

      Reply
    33. Diane says

      June 06, 2011 at 9:56 am

      An amazing place and your photos are superb. Thanks for sharing. Diane

      Reply
    34. kirsten says

      June 06, 2011 at 7:50 am

      What an astonishing accomplishment! I am so envious of your trip, thanks for sharing the photos!

      Reply
    35. Steve @ HPD says

      June 06, 2011 at 7:48 am

      I wonder what people will think of our malls and office complexes in a thousand years ...

      Reply
    36. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says

      June 06, 2011 at 7:21 am

      What a majestic castle, with such a long history! Gorgeous shots, Faith, with some stunning views. I really like that shot of the steps.

      Reply
    37. Rosa says

      June 06, 2011 at 7:15 am

      Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures with us! That castle is splendid and so are the landscapes surrounding it.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply

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