Also known as the Qala'at al-Hosn or "Castle of the Knights", this amazingly well-preserved fortress is situated on an important defensive site, a gap in the mountain range between the city of Homs and the sea.
It was built in the 12th century from local basalt stone, with some later additions of limestone. The outer wall has 13 towers and a main entrance gate, separated from the inner structure by a moat. It was used during the Crusades by the Knights Hospitallers and remained impregnable throughout.
The fortress can be visited easily from Tartus, Homs or Hama.