Citadel

Lonely Planet review

The Citadel anchors the northwest corner of the Old City, its imposing stone walls confronting the six lanes of traffic on Sharia ath-Thawra. Built by the Seljuks between 1076 and 1193, the citadel was further fortified by the Zangid ruler Sultan Nur al-Din and by the Ayyubid Sultan Saladin in the 12th century to resist Crusader attacks. Modifications were added by the Mamluks and Ottomans, and during the French mandate it became a prison, which it remained until 1985.

The citadel has been recently restored, and it's possible to wander the grounds (allow two hours) for free, although some time in 2008 ticket offices will be installed and a visitors centre will open, featuring a bookshop, interactive kiosks and a mosaic exhibition. Guided tours will be conducted. Concerts are held frequently in the citadel grounds, especially during the summer evenings, when you might see anything from a symphony orchestra to jazz bands. The Jazz Festival is held here in July.