Introducing Crac des Chevaliers
Author Paul Theroux described Crac des Chevaliers as the epitome of the dream castle of childhood fantasies. TE Lawrence simply called it 'the finest castle in the world'. Impervious to the onslaught of time, Crac des Chevaliers (in Arabic Qala'at al-Hosn) is one of Syria's must-see sights.
Advertisement
The first fortress known to have existed on this site was built by the emir of Homs in 1031, but it was the Crusader knights who, around the middle of the 12th century, largely built and expanded Crac into its existing form. Despite repeated attacks and sieges, the castle held firm. In fact, it was never truly breached; the Crusaders just gave it up. Numbers in the castle, which was built to hold a garrison of 2000, had fallen to around 200. Surrounded by the armies of Islam and with no hope of reprieve, Crac must have seemed more like a prison than a stronghold. Even though they had supplies to last for five years, after a month under siege the Crusaders agreed to depart the castle in return for safe conduct.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
Re: Sticky post suggested: Syria travel warning
by elijahjt 24 August 2011
At your service, gode! I'm currently in Aleppo, at the tail end of my trip through Syria (broken up by a few days in Lebanon). I arrived…
-
RE: Lebanon/Syria or Iran
by fear_rua 11 July 2011
Well, the way things are in the Middle East this year, making plans for next April is a bold endeavour. Assuming that tourism in Syria…
-
RE: Must read, warning it's a book ... 2,350km in 14 recent days in Syria
by banglumpoo 25 May 2011
I agree with afghanistan2zimbabwe especially his comment about some people here who keep discouraging people to visit their own country.…
See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Crac des Chevaliers
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
