Al-Hosn Citadel is a Crusader fortress located in Homs Governorate in Syria in Wadi Al-Nadara in the north-west of Syria, south of the tourist town of Mashta Al-Helu on a hill up 650 m high and about 60 km from the city of Homs.It is considered one of the most important castles and forts in the Middle Ages The eleventh century who came to protect the trade lines was therefore known as the Kurds' castle, and when the castle was given to the hospital's knights in the 19th century they called it Des Chevaliers, meaning the fortress of the fortress. [1]
The castle is considered one of the most important historical and architectural monuments in Syria.It is considered one of the most important castles, the largest and the largest in the Middle Ages, which are still standing today.The castle is characterized by its distinctive construction, high walls, military engineering and the strength of its forts, a series of prominent balconies, archery targets, and its privileged position where it stands on a plateau. Volcanic on a steep mountain range from its three sides in a strategic location distinguished on the crossroads of commercial and military routes for caravans between Homs, Tripoli and Tartous, and the castle extends 240 meters from north to south and 170 meters from east to west and consists of two internal and external fortresses between them Surrounding a moat and surrounded by high observation towers, the area of the castle is large.It is about three hectares and its area is an army of three thousand soldiers with several gear and their horses.In terms of architecture, the stones of the castle are limestone in color and light weight and the castle is divided into several sections: Cavalry Hall The theater is circular in shape. Mamluk Guard Hall. Tower of the king's daughter. Dormitories mom soldiers. the church. Upper towers. Stores where supplies are stored
The fortress is a model of fortified military fortresses.It was not built at one time but was built on different stages.The Almirdasses built the castle in 1031 led by Nasser bin Saleh AlMirdasi in order to protect trade routes and caravans from the Levant into the Levant, and then inhabited by the Kurds to protect the road. The arrival of the Crusades in 1099 AD was taken by Raymond Sangel and then recovered by the Prince of Homs in 1102, and over time the castle suffered a devastating earthquake in 1157 AD, destroying most of its buildings, the Crusaders repaired its parts and rebuild its fortresses, and Noureddine Zangi tried to liberate the castle twice 1163-1167 AD. Haha In 1188, Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi became grateful as his army passed to reclaim the Syrian coast. [3]
