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Set high on a ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys, the crusader castle of Crac Des Chevaliers is one of the best preserved sites in the Middle East, and can't have changed much since its heyday 800 years ago. As with most of Syria's historic attractions, it's a fascinating place to wander, away from the crowds of more well known nearby countries - Syria is one of the friendliest and historically-rich countries in the Middle East, and one whose history is surprisingly diverse.
 Crac Des Chevaliers sits in a gap in the mountain range that runs from Turkey to Lebanon, so controlled one of the main trade routes in the area - even today this gap is important in Syria's transport network, carrying a main road and the oil pipeline from fields far inland. Built by the Crusaders over a period of around 100 years from around 1150 AD, the fortress could hold a horse garrison of up to 4000 strong, and fought off various attempts to take control of the area up until 1271, when the Crusaders were finally forced out by Sultan Baibars, who then built additional towers on the already impressive structure.
The castle itself is a huge structure that takes a fair amount of exploration - it's fairly well preserved but bring sturdy footwear! The site is divided in to two main area, with the outer wall having 13 towers and the main entrance, leading through to the inner wall and the central construction. On the outer wall above the doorway to the inner wall, look out for the figures of two lions facing each other, supposedly symbols of the English crusader king, Richard the Lionheart.
 Crac Des Chevaliers is half way between Damascus and Aleppo, Syria's two main towns, both of which are rammed with interest. Damascus is the Syrian capital and claims to be the oldest city in the world (although Aleppo also claims this title!) and is a fairly compact city of ancient streets, ornate mosques and covered souqs. Wander around the Old City, allowing plenty of time to take in Souq Al Hamadiyyeh, the city's main covered market area - it's as touristy as things get in Syria, so bargain hard! Omayyad Mosque is also worth visiting, a massive construction that demands a decent amount of time - the inner courtyards are a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.
Aleppo is many visitor's favourite city in Syria, and has been an important trading post since Roman times - wander through the cobbled streets of the covered souqs and it seems that nothing has changed since, until you get cut up by a motorbike, that is! |
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