Shmemis Castle

About this place

Shmemis Castle stands on top of a conical volcanic hill north-west of the town of Salamiyah in Hama Governorate, about 4 km from it. The hill rises about 140 metres above the surrounding plain, so the castle can be seen from far away like a crown on a mountain. It is said to have been first built by princes of the Arab Shamsigeram family, who ruled Homs in the late 2nd century BC and gave it its name. An earthquake damaged it in the mid-12th century, Asad al-Din Shirkuh, ruler of Homs, rebuilt it in 1229, and Sultan Baybars later restored it after the Mongols wrecked it. It was known for its position over the plains of Homs, Hama and the desert. The castle is oval, built of small blocks of black basalt, and ringed by a ditch cut into the volcanic rock up to 15 metres deep. Inside are the remains of four inner towers, a rock-cut water cistern and a large well. From the top you see the wide plain on every side, finest at sunset when the stone turns gold. Salamiyah is about 4.5 km away in a straight line, and the Norias of Hama about 26 km. The climb is up a steep earth slope, so wear comfortable shoes. 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.