The rock-cut ditch
A stone needle at its centre.
Anas Al Rifai — CC BY-SA 3.0 · JYB Devot — CC BY-SA 4.0 · JYB Devot — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nassr Fleehan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nassr Fleehan — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Citadel of Saladin, known of old as Sahyun Castle or Saone, is a medieval castle in the mountains of north-western Syria, east of the city of Latakia. It sits on a rocky ridge between two deep ravines surrounded by forest. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 2006 together with Krak des Chevaliers, and its setting remains among the finest of any castle. The site has been fortified since at least the mid 10th century, and the Byzantine emperor John I Tzimiskes took it in 975. The Franks gained control in the early 12th century and carried out a large building programme that gave it much of its present look. It fell to Saladin in 1188 after a three-day siege and was named after him in 1957. Its best-known feature is a huge ditch cut into the rock, with a tall stone needle standing in the middle, seen from above, which once carried a bridge. You also see a massive square keep, vaulted halls and the remains of a mosque and a bath, with green hills on every side. The grounds are wide, so allow enough time and wear comfortable shoes. It is about 25 km in a straight line from Latakia and about 7 km from the town of Al-Haffah. A car is the best way there. Spring and autumn are the finest times, with green forests and mild heat. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Syria, and British consular help is not available there, so check official guidance before making any plans.
A stone needle at its centre.
A massive stone block.
Forest on every side.
East of Al-Haffah, Latakia Governorate, Syria
He took it in 1188, and it was officially given his name in 1957.
About two hours to walk the castle and see the ditch from above.