jenofear

Crac des Chevaliers - Syria

Posted by jenofear | 6th April 2009

While in Syria, four of us from the hostel went to see Crac des Chevaliers, the most famous and intact of the crusader castles. TE Lawrence (who, as an undergrad, studied medieval military architecture) described Crac des Chevaliers as "undoubtedly the most impressive fortress in the world." Like everywhere else I've been in Syria, it is relatively empty of tourists - which significantly enhances its ambiance.

By popular request, a picture of moi (uh, yes, still here):

Crac des Chevaliers was built in 1031 by the Emir of Aleppo. It was captured in 1099 during the First Crusade. It was finally re-taken in 1271 during the Eighth Crusade through trickery rather than physical breach.


[img=http://photos.travellerspoint.com/144185/DSC01

Continued | Jen's Blog

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