Bani Qahtan Castle
Appearance
Bani Qahtan castle (Arabic بني قحطان) is found in the Syrian Coastal Mountains near Lattakia city, 40 km far from it. The castle is totally damaged and not much remained from it. The ruins date to the 12th century. The castle is mentioned as being a stronghold in the hands of Ismaeli Arabs, who surrendered it to Salaheddin Al-Ayoubi (Saladdin) in 1188. It was then part of Jableh kingdom.
The castle is reached by car road through Banyas-Jableh road from west.
Well preserved are the external walls, which contain the whole massive of the castle. The castle is situated on a high mountain, accessible only from the south through a narrow piece of land.