Located up north in Lebanon's second largest city, one of the country's largest fortresses was built by Arab commanders and was taken over during the First Crusade in 1103 by the forces of commander Raymond de Saint-Gilles, then enlarged. In the early 19th century it was largely rebuilt by the ruling Ottoman Empire, leaving little of its original Crusader stucture but still offering a fascinating visit, including the Northern Lebanon and Akkar Museum and sweeping views over the city.


Heretiq