Krak des Chevaliers
Fast Facts
- Location: Located on the top of a 650-meter high hill, in the Hims Gap, 65 km west of the city of Hims in Syria.
- Attraction Type: Castle.
- Significance: Krak des Chevaliers is a wonderfully preserved, one of the most important military castles in the world.
- Best time to Visit: Can be visited throughout the year.
- Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during winter.
- How to Reach: The best way to reach Krak des Chevaliers is from Hama. It takes less than an hour to reach the castle from Hama by bus. You can also reach from Damascus.
- Nearest Airport: Damascus International Airport (DAM).
ISome may describe it as “the epitome of the dream castle of childhood fantasies”, while some others may vouch for it as “the finest castle in the world”. Krak des Chevaliers is a wonderfully preserved, one of the most important military castles in the world. Also known as Crac des Chevaliers, this archetypal Crusader castle is just a wonder and also a visual delight standing almost 2300 feet above the sea level, facing the valley between Homs and Tripoli. A perfect model of medieval fortification, Krak des Chevaliers is currently a major tourist attraction in Syria.
Located on the top of a 650-meter high hill, in the Hims Gap, 65 km west of the city of Hims in Syria, close to the Lebanon border, Krak des Chevaliers was built by Crusaders between the mid-12th and late 13th century to guard the crucial gap between the Mediterranean coast and inland Syria. It has got an amazing architecture, which even after 800 years, still gives the impression of impregnability.
Things to Do
Krak des Chevaliers is a treat to watch. Your admiration for the castle starts from the gigantic curtain walls bordering the compound. There are 13 round towers in the walls at around 150 feet intervals. You enter into the castle after passing through the huge stone portal on the east side. Now you have stepped into a huge vaulted corridor with a steep ascent.
Inside the castle, visit the Gothic colonnade or loggia, the most elegant feature of the courtyard. The delicate arches and gigantic stone works can make you spellbound. There was a chapel inside the courtyard that later was converted to a mosque. Also step in to the café on the top floor – once the Tower of the Daughter of the King.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Winter: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Accommodation
Following could be your options for accommodation while visiting Krak des Chevaliers:
Bebers Hotel
Tel: 741201
Apamee Cham Palace Hotel
PO Box 111
Hama Syria
|
