Krak des Chevaliers 
Author Paul Theroux described Krak des Chevaliers (French for "Fortress of Knights") in Syria as the epitome of the dream castle of childhood fantasies. T.E. Lawrence simply called it "the finest castle in the world." This popular tourist destination near Homs was made a World Heritage Site in 2006 and is clearly a must-see if you're in the area.
This remarkably well-preserved Crusader castle looks almost exactly as it would have 800 years ago. It guards the only major pass between Antakya in Turkey and Beirut in Lebanon; it was built and expanded between 1150 and 1250 and eventually housed a garrison of 2000. The castle held out against several attacks, but was lost to the Mamluk Sultan Beybar in 1271.
The castle has two parts: an outside wall with 13 towers and an inside wall and keep. The two are separated by a moat which was used to fill the baths and water the horses, but is now full of stagnant water.
Through the main entrance (an imposing gate in the 5m/16ft-thick wall) and past the towers that defended the castle is a courtyard. A corridor covered in delicate carvings leads to a large vaulted hall, where you can see an old oven, a well and some latrines. The chapel in the courtyard was converted to a mosque after Sultan Beybar took over, and you can still see its pulpit.
The top floor of the Tower of the Daughter of the King is a cafe with great views.
Quick Facts
It's possible to stay in the castle area, or you can make an easy day trip from Tartus, Homs or Hama. Opening hours: Apr-Oct 9:00am-6:00pm, Nov-Mar 9:00am-4:00pm.
- Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din - UNESCO World Heritage List (2006)
- Traveler Reviews of Krac des Chevaliers - TripAdvisor
