10 Things Syria Is Famous For

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Also called the ‘Fortress of Saladin’, Qal’at Salah El-Din is known for its construction quality and the continued existence of its historical stratigraphy. It still keeps its features from the Byzantine beginnings in the tenth century. It is also recognized by UNESCO as one of the World’s Heritage Sites. It is a medieval fortress of enormous dimensions, located about 400m above sea level, in a buttress of the Ansariyya mountains, about 35km northwest of the coastal city of Latakia, north of the country. The castle of Saladin is the result of successive constructions, improvements and expansions carried out between the 10th and 15th centuries by the various forces that dominated the area, from the Hamdanis, Byzantines, hospital crusaders, Ayyubis and Mamluks. The citadel is hidden between high peaks and deep ravines, through which winding roads lead to the fortress, which controlled the route between Latakia and the Ghab plain, to the north. The green and high cypresses sway with the Mediterranean breeze, while in the fertile valleys grow olive, citrus and fruit trees, irrigated by generous rivers and streams. In those forests live foxes and wolves, in the plain there are abundant cows and lambs that graze tasty pastures. Looking up at the sky, blackbirds, partridges, pigeons and the majestic eagles fly over us. In that enclave the castle was raised in ancient times. His name was changing according to its owners. The Crusaders called it “Saone”, while the Muslims called it “Sahyun.” They say that this denomination derives from the name “Sigon”, of Phoenician origin, mentioned in relation to the invasion of Alexander the Great. Click the next ARROW to see the next photo!