Syria

Jablah

Latakia

Burj Islām

Turkey

Hatay Airport

Aleppo International Airport

Lebanon

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Ţarţūs

Tartus

Ḩamāh

Hama

Samandağ

Hatay

Ar Rastan

Homs

Sahyun Castle, also known as Mons Peregrinus, is a medieval castle located in the Hama Governorate of Syria. It was built by the Crusaders in the early 12th century, and was strategically located on the top of a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape.

The castle was constructed by the Knights Hospitaller, who used it as a stronghold for their operations in the region. It was also used as a refuge for the local Christian population during times of war and conflict.

Sahyun Castle is considered to be one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the Middle East, with its walls and towers still largely intact. The castle is also known for its impressive moat, which is cut into the solid rock of the hill on which the castle stands.

In the 13th century, the castle fell into the hands of the Muslim Ayyubid dynasty, who made some modifications to the structure. It later passed into the hands of the Mamluk Sultanate, who used it as a military base.

Today, Sahyun Castle is a popular tourist destination in Syria, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its impressive architecture and learn about its rich history. Despite being damaged during the Syrian Civil War, the castle remains an important symbol of the country's cultural heritage.

Sahyun castle

Krak des Chevaliers is a medieval fortress located in the Homs Governorate of Syria, approximately 40 km west of Homs and 180 km north of Damascus. It was built by the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, in the 12th century AD.

The castle is situated on a hilltop and is surrounded by a deep moat, making it difficult for attackers to approach. It was strategically positioned along the route between the Mediterranean coast and the interior of Syria, and served as a key stronghold for the Crusaders during their campaigns in the Holy Land.

The castle is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture, with its massive walls, towers, and moat. It has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the centuries, including the addition of a chapel and several other buildings within its walls.

The castle was occupied by various powers over the centuries, including the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the French during their mandate over Syria. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, visited by thousands of people every year.

Krak des Chevaliers

The Norias of Hama are a series of historical waterwheels located in the city of Hama, Syria. These wooden waterwheels, also known as "persian wheels," were used to extract water from the Orontes River and distribute it to the city's surrounding farmland. The norias were first built in the 13th century and have since become an iconic symbol of Hama, with 17 of these waterwheels still operating in the city today.

The norias are considered to be some of the largest and most well-preserved waterwheels in the world, with some of them reaching up to 20 meters in diameter. The wheels are powered by the flow of the Orontes River, and they work by lifting water from the river into irrigation canals, which then distribute the water to the surrounding farmland.

Hama (Norias of Hama)

The Kadisha Valley, also known as the Qadisha Valley, is a deep gorge located in northern Lebanon. The valley has a rich history, having served as a refuge for Christian monastic communities since the early days of Christianity. The valley is home to numerous ancient churches, monasteries, and hermitages, many of which are carved into the cliffsides or built on top of ancient ruins.

The valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural significance. Visitors to the valley can hike along the river, explore the ancient churches and monasteries, and marvel at the stunning scenery. The valley is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Some of the notable sites in the valley include the Monastery of Saint Anthony of Qozhaya, which dates back to the 13th century, the Monastery of Saint George, which is carved into the cliffside and offers stunning views of the valley, and the Monastery of Our Lady of Hawqa, which was built in the 13th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes.

The Kadisha Valley is also an important cultural site for the Maronite Christian community, which has maintained a presence in the valley for centuries. The valley is a symbol of their resilience in the face of persecution and has played a vital role in preserving their unique religious and cultural traditions.

Kadisha Valley

The Cedars of God is a small forest of ancient cedar trees located in the mountains of northern Lebanon, about 120 kilometers north of Beirut. The forest covers an area of around 1.5 square kilometers at an altitude of 1,800-2,100 meters above sea level. The Cedars of God are believed to be the last surviving group of cedars from the ancient forests of Lebanon, which were once widespread across the region.

The Cedars of God are known for their impressive size, with some of the trees estimated to be more than 1,000 years old and standing up to 40 meters tall. The cedar trees were prized in ancient times for their valuable wood, which was used for building ships, temples, and palaces. The cedar wood was also used for making incense and for embalming the dead.

The forest of the Cedars of God is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists and hikers. The area around the Cedars of God is also home to a number of endangered species, including the Lebanese cedar squirrel and the golden eagle. The forest has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered an important symbol of Lebanon's cultural and natural heritage.

Cedars of God

Jablah

Explore Jablah

Other Cities in Latakia

Latakia

Burj Islām

Explore Near Jablah

Nearby Attractions & Places to Visit

Nearby Cities Worth Exploring

Airports Near Jablah

Neighboring Countries to Visit

Account

Explore

Discover

Support

Legal