Syria is a land of ancient wonders, where towering citadels and mighty castles tell stories of conquests, battles, and legendary rulers. From Crusader fortresses to medieval strongholds, each of these sites offers a glimpse into a fascinating past. Here are ten incredible citadels and castles that should be on every history lover’s bucket list.
1. Krak des Chevaliers
The Crown Jewel of Crusader Castles
Krak des Chevaliers is often considered the pinnacle of medieval military architecture, a near-perfect example of a Crusader fortress. Perched atop a 650-meter-high hill near Homs, it commands a breathtaking view of the Orontes Valley. Originally a small fortification built in 1031, it was gifted to the Knights Hospitaller in 1144, who transformed it into an indomitable stronghold.
Interesting Facts:
- It had an advanced double-wall fortification system, including an inner keep, an outer defensive wall, and seven massive towers, making it nearly impenetrable.
- The castle had an ingenious water supply system with underground cisterns, ensuring self-sufficiency during long sieges.
- Despite being attacked multiple times, including by Saladin, it only fell in 1271 when Sultan Baibars used siege engines and trickery—sending a forged letter supposedly from the Crusader command ordering surrender.
- It inspired European castle designs during the Gothic period and remains one of the best-preserved medieval castles today.
Krak des Chevaliers was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
2. Saladin Castle (Qal’at Salah ad-Din / Sahyun Castle)
A Fortress Among the Clouds
Located deep in Syria’s coastal mountains, Saladin Castle is an awe-inspiring stronghold that blends natural defenses with medieval engineering. It sits atop a rocky ridge, surrounded by deep ravines that make it almost impenetrable.
Originally built by the Byzantines and fortified by the Crusaders in the early 12th century, it was later besieged and captured by Saladin in 1188 after just three days—an incredible military feat considering its defenses.
Interesting Facts:
- One of its most astonishing features is the massive 27-meter-wide, 8-meter-deep moat carved out of solid rock. It was designed to separate the castle from the main mountain ridge, leaving it only accessible by a single bridge.
- Saladin took the castle by storm after finding a vulnerable point in its defenses, using ladders to scale the walls under the cover of night.
- It was previously known as “Sahyun Castle,” a name derived from the Arabic Ṣahyūn, meaning “Zion.”
- One of its fortified towers was badly damaged in the 2023 earthquake, showing how even the strongest of fortresses are not immune to the forces of nature.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 alongside Krak des Chevaliers, it remains a breathtaking reminder of medieval warfare.
3. Aleppo Citadel
A Fortress That Witnessed the March of Civilizations
Aleppo Citadel is one of the oldest and largest fortresses in the world, its roots stretching back over 4,000 years. Rising above the ancient city, it has been a stronghold for many empires, including the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ayyubids.
Interesting Facts:
- The citadel was first used as a fortification in the 3rd millennium BC, making it one of the most continuously occupied defensive structures in history.
- It was heavily fortified during the rule of al-Zahir al-Ghazi, Saladin’s son, between 1193 and 1215.
- The entrance features a complex defensive system with multiple gates, killing zones, and a steep bridge leading to the main portal, designed to slow down invaders.
- It played a role in the Battle of Aleppo during the Syrian conflict in the 2010s, sustaining damage, and was further affected by the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Despite its challenges, the citadel remains a symbol of Aleppo’s resilience and historical importance.
4. Damascus Citadel
The Guardian of the World’s Oldest Capital
Located at the northwest corner of Damascus’ ancient walls, this fortress has stood watch over one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities for nearly a thousand years.
First fortified in 1076 by Turkman warlord Atsiz bin Uvak, it was later expanded by the Seljuks and rebuilt under Saladin’s brother, Al-Adil, between 1203 and 1216 to withstand the latest siege technology.
Interesting Facts:
- Unlike most castles built on high ground, the Damascus Citadel is relatively low-lying but heavily fortified with thick walls and multiple towers.
- It was used as a prison and military barracks up until 1986, preserving much of its medieval architecture.
- The citadel withstood multiple Mongol invasions, though it was temporarily taken and partially destroyed in 1260.
Today, it serves as a cultural landmark, hosting exhibitions and restoration efforts.
5. Markab Castle (Margat Castle)
A Volcanic Fortress Overlooking the Sea
Built on the remnants of an extinct volcano near the coastal city of Baniyas, Markab Castle is one of the most formidable Crusader fortresses in the Middle East.
Originally fortified by Muslims in 1062, it fell to the Byzantines, then the Crusaders, who rebuilt it into a powerful Hospitaller stronghold in 1186.
Interesting Facts:
- The walls are built from black basalt, giving the castle an imposing and eerie appearance.
- Saladin inspected the castle in 1188 but decided against attacking due to its impregnable defenses.
- It finally fell to the Mamluks in 1285 after Sultan Qalawun mined a section of the walls.
Today, its ruins offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline.
6. Masyaf Castle
The Assassin’s Hidden Stronghold
Masyaf Castle, dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Orontes Valley, was the stronghold of the mysterious Nizari Ismailis, known to the world as the Assassins. Unlike the massive Crusader castles built for open warfare, Masyaf was a strategic fortress used for espionage, psychological warfare, and precision assassinations.
The most infamous ruler of Masyaf was Rashid ad-Din Sinan (1166-1193), known as the “Old Man of the Mountain.” Under his leadership, the Assassins operated a shadowy network of spies and political agents who could strike fear into even the most powerful rulers—including Saladin himself.
Interesting Facts:
- In 1176, Saladin led an army to besiege Masyaf, but the fortress remained defiant. Legend says he was visited in his tent by an Assassin agent who left a poisoned dagger beside his bed as a warning. The next morning, Saladin lifted the siege.
- Unlike other castles, Masyaf had secret underground escape tunnels, allowing the Assassins to vanish when necessary.
- The Assassins were known for infiltrating enemy camps and eliminating key figures, using precise dagger strikes rather than open battles.
Today, Masyaf Castle stands as a testament to the hidden power struggles of the medieval world, offering visitors an eerie glimpse into one of history’s most enigmatic groups.
7. Arwad Castle
The Last Crusader Stronghold in Syria
Arwad Castle, situated on the tiny island of Arwad, was the last Crusader outpost in the Levant, making it a crucial piece of history. Unlike other fortresses built on hills or mountains, this one is surrounded entirely by water. The island had been a Phoenician naval base for centuries before the Crusaders transformed it into a fortress in the 12th century.
After the fall of the mainland Crusader cities like Tripoli (1289) and Acre (1291), the Knights Templar retreated to Arwad. They held out until 1302, when Sultan Al-Malik al-Nasir launched an all-out siege, forcing them to surrender. This marked the end of the Crusader presence in Syria.
Interesting Facts:
- Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans used Arwad as a naval stronghold long before the Crusaders arrived.
- Due to its strategic location, the castle had thick stone walls and a fortified harbor, making it difficult to attack by sea.
- Even after its fall, Arwad remained an important maritime base under Mamluk and later Ottoman rule.
Today, the fortress stands in Arwad’s old quarter, offering stunning sea views and a unique glimpse into Syria’s island history.
8. Bourzey Castle (Mirza Castle)
A Hidden Fortress Between Mountains and the Sea
Bourzey Castle, also known as Mirza Castle, is one of Syria’s lesser-known medieval gems, standing high in the Latakia mountains. It was built by the Byzantines and later used by the Crusaders in their attempts to control the coastal trade routes.
In 1188, Saladin launched a major campaign against the remaining Crusader strongholds in Syria. Bourzey was one of his targets. Unlike Krak des Chevaliers, which resisted for years, Bourzey fell quickly due to its isolation and lack of reinforcements.
Interesting Facts:
- It was strategically positioned between Apamea and Latakia, controlling key mountain passes.
- After its capture, Saladin reinforced the castle, using it as a defensive stronghold against future Crusader invasions.
- The ruins include well-preserved towers, cisterns, and underground chambers, offering a unique glimpse into medieval military life.
Bourzey remains an off-the-beaten-path destination for history lovers seeking to explore Syria’s hidden fortresses.
9. Bosra Citadel
A Roman Theatre Turned Fortress
Unlike most medieval castles that were built from the ground up, Bosra Citadel is unique because it was constructed around an existing Roman theatre. Located in southern Syria, Bosra was an important Nabataean, Roman, and Islamic city, serving as the capital of the Roman province of Arabia.
The theatre itself was built in the 2nd century AD, with a massive 15,000-seat capacity. During the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, it was transformed into a defensive fortress, with thick walls, towers, and a moat added to protect it from invaders.
Interesting Facts:
- Bosra’s theatre is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and is still used for performances today.
- The citadel was heavily fortified after Mongol invasions in the 13th century, making it one of the most unusual castle-theatre hybrids in the world.
- The Ottomans later occupied the fortress, adding more military structures.
Today, visitors can explore the massive Roman seating, the Ayyubid-era fortifications, and the underground passageways used by defenders. It’s truly a blend of Roman grandeur and medieval military strategy.
10. Shmemis Castle
A Volcanic Fortress with a Fiery Past
Shmemis Castle (also spelled Shememis) is a spectacular fortress built on the rim of an extinct volcano, just west of Salamiyah. The volcanic origins of the site give it a truly unique landscape, with black basalt rocks surrounding the fortress.
The first recorded castle at this site was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, but the current structure dates back to 1229, when it was rebuilt by the Ayyubid Sultan Al-Malik al-Mujahid.
Interesting Facts:
- Due to its high-altitude location, the castle provides 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding desert. This made it an ideal watchtower.
- It was partially destroyed by the Mongols in 1260 but later rebuilt by the Mamluks.
- The black volcanic rock used in the construction makes it stand out compared to Syria’s other medieval castles.
Although Shmemis Castle is now mostly in ruins, it remains an incredible hidden historical site with a breathtaking setting.