Have your camera at the ready as this site offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The original 30 letter Ugarit Alphabet from the 14c BC is exhibited at the Damascus Museum. Upon completion, it was pronounced impregnable, but was taken in just one hour by Saladin's forces. Only 35Km from Latakia this site was know as Saone up to 1965 when the Minister of Interior renamed it after the hero of Islam who captured it. This castle rivals Crac as the most impressive in all the Middle East.
Most people overlook the fact that Syria has a Mediterranean coastline.
It is Syria's busiest port complete with modern hotels but also attracts a summer influx of sun seekers. It is so well preserved in fact that it can't have looked much different when it was in use 800 years ago. The drawbridge is now gone. A gangway leading to the postern gate high on the eastern side has replaced it and this is your entrance to the huge fortress. In the afternoon join our guide for a hike to the hilltop fortress of Queen Zenobia.