One of the most magnificent estates of crusader countries was their impressive castles that were stretched by Latin monarchs in regions. Crusader castles are among the globe is most dramatic places on earth. Here we can explore the top 10 crusader castles in the world.
10. KRAK DES CHEVALIER
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Krak Des Chevaliers was an extraordinary type of crusader castle and headquarters of the popular Knights hospitaller. It is located in Syria and is one of the most beautiful crusader castles in the world. The hospitallers again built this castle in 1140 and completed it in 1170, when an earthquake destroyed it.
It performed as the center of administration and military base. In the 13th century, it became a concentric castle. In this period its external wall was created that gave it an astonishing look. This castle stood at 650 meters high. Sultan Baibar in 1271 captured it after a siege lasting 36 days. After, building this castle it withstands up to 5 years.
9. RHODES
The palace of Rhodes is also famous as “CASTELLO”. It is a type of medieval castle in the city of Rhodes. In Greece, it counts as one of the few examples of Gothic architecture and crusader castles. This palace was built in the late 7th century as a citadel of Byzantine. After the Knights Hospitallers captured it, They changed the castle into the center of administration and Grand Master’s Palace in 1309. In the 14th century, they made many modifications to the palace. The 1481 earthquake damaged the palace but was repaired soon after. Now this crusader castle works as a museum mostly from the early period of Christians up to the Ottoman conquest.
8. ACRE
ACRE is a historical city of Israel also known as “Akko”. It has been continuously occupied since 3010 B.C. It was built at that time this city had one of the main ports of Israel. This crusader castle was built in the center of the city to ensure the main supplies from Europe. The castle has impressive architecture not because of its huge size but due to its excellent preservation since it was rediscovered. Now it is used in the grand Acre festivals it will always stay a place of importance in the history of Israel.
7. KERAK
KERAK is a huge crusader castle in Jordon. It is one of the most beautiful crusader castles in the world. Its construction started in 1140 under the supervision of the king of Jerusalem. In colloquially it is referred to as the Kerak of the desert. It was an impressive castle in the 12th century. Now it is a center of attraction for tourists and contains the corridors and chamber within the fortification. The castle is located in the city walls of Karak. This area has great strategic importance because it is above sea level almost 900 feet.
6. BODRUM CASTLE
In 1402, Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights Hospitallers to get protection from the Seljuk Turks invaders. It was constructed according to the time’s high standard in the southwest of Turkey and the beautiful crusader castles of the world. It was completed in the late 15th century just because of taking over by the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Then its chapel was changed into a mosque and minarets were added there. Thus, this castle persisted for up to 400 years under the Islamic empire.
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5. BELVOIR CASTLE
Belvoir Castle is home to the Dukes of Rutland. Many dukes are buried in the land of the monument. A castle is a confidential place but still, it is open for visitors. It is positioned in North East Leicestershire, England. Its owner was David Manners, 11th Duke of Rutland. It counts in beautiful crusader castles in the world.
4. CITADEL of SALAH-ED-DIN
The Salah-ed-Din’s castle is one of the most preserved and beautiful crusader castles in Syria. It is a fascinating example of the Crusader period’s fortifications. This place has been used for many centuries to build forts. Firstly it was occupied by Phoenicians and after that Alexander the Great. It initially built the Byzantines and became a Crusader stronghold on it until in 1188 Salah-ed-din captured it.
3. ARSUF
Arsuf is also one of the most beautiful crusader castles in the world. It is popular for the Crusader castle of Israel which was one of the hubs of Knights Hospitaller. In 1101 and 1191 the Crusaders captured this town and Lionheart overpowered the Saladin in the battle of Arsuf. In 1265, the Mamluk Sultan Baibars detained the castle after a forty-day siege. His military ruined the town and captured this place. Now visitors can see the remaining parts of the Crusader fortress here.
2. SHOBAK CASTLE
A beautiful historical citadel in Jordan is Shobak. This Crusader ruins dates back to the early 12th century. It was originally built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem and it was placed next to key operating ways and it is designed to control this key strategic location. Saladin’s armed forces were put down to the castle for several months before the fortification was eventually destroyed in 1189. Today the castle remains in the shape of ruins but there are still many visitors who come to explore it. The major outer walls still stand beside the internal chambers, doorways, and entrance for visitors.
1. FORT SAINT-JEAN
Fort Saint-Jean was one beautiful crusader castles in the world. It was built by King Louis XIV in Marseille in the seventeenth century. Its construction work started in the 1660s to protect Marseille from an external attack. In actuality, the intention of building Fort Saint-Jean was to restrain a rebellion by the general public in opposition to royal rule.
