The hill
The castle above town.
Julien-Antoine Desforges — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Charles William Meredith van de Velde — Public domain · Julien-Antoine Desforges — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Julien-Antoine Desforges — CC BY-SA 4.0
Toron Castle, now known as Tebnine, is an old fortress on a hill above the town of Tebnine in Jabal Amel, east of Tyre. It stood on the road from Tyre to Damascus, giving it great military importance during the Crusades. Today what remains stands above the town, with olive-covered hills around it, a prominent landmark in southern Lebanon. Hugh of Fauquembergues, prince of Galilee, built it in 1106 to help capture Tyre, and it became the centre of the Lordship of Toron. It stayed in Crusader hands until 1187, when Saladin took it after the Battle of Hattin. In 1197 a German force besieged it, and its Muslim garrison held out until relief came from Egypt. In 1219 Sultan al-Mu'azzam had its defences dismantled. From afar you see the town's white houses stepping up a hill crowned by the castle, surrounded by olive groves and green hills. The town lies between 700 and 800 m, so the castle offers a wide view over the region. Its stone walls are crumbling in places after long centuries of change. It is about 21 km in a straight line from Tyre, and Wikipedia gives about 25 km. We know of no confirmed hours or fees. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to this area, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.
The castle above town.
Hills and olive groves.
Stone reshaped over centuries.
Tebnine, Jabal Amel, east of Tyre, southern Lebanon
Hugh of Fauquembergues in 1106, to help capture Tyre.
Saladin took it in 1187 after the Battle of Hattin.