www.teshreen.com Al- Hosn Citadel (Crac de Chevaliers) is, perhaps, the most beautiful and complete citadel among all Syrian citadels. It is famous for its strong fortifications, its attractive nature and the charming scenes which surround it. The role it played during the Crusades made it widely known abroad. It lies on a mount about (40 meters high, and rises 750 meters above sea level. Visitors can see the Mediterranean Sea through its towers. It is 35 kilometers far from the sea, and 60 kilometers from the city of Homs in central Syria.
In1031 A.D. the Emir of Homs gave orders to build a military fort for his Kurdish fighters at the site of the citadel which had been built by Ramsis II, the Pharoah of Homs about 1500 B.C.
In 1115 A.D. the citadel was conquered by the Crusaders who strengthened and added a number of civil establishments including cereals stores, a flour mill, a furnace, olive press, a church and several barracks.
In 1163 A.D. Sultan Nureddin made several attempts to liberate the citadel but all were in vain. In 1188 A.D. Saladdin made an attempt to liberate the citadel but he also failed due to its strong military fortifications.
Later Al- Zaher Bebers succeeded in liberating all Syriaصs citadels including Al- Hosn citadel in 1271 A.D.
The citadel occupies an area of land estimated 30,000 square meters. There are in the citadel 12 towers and several gates... The main gate bears Arabic writings showing that Al- Zaher Bebers renovated the building in 1272 A.D.
The citadel is a living witness to the Gothic decoration and architecture. A visit to Al- Hosn citadel is a journey into a different world. |