The city of Sidon is located on the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon. This ancient Phoenician city has been of great religious, political and commercial value; it is said to be inhabited since 4000 B.C. During the 13th century, the Crusaders built Sidon's Sea Castle as a fortress on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow 80m long roadway. The island was formerly the site of a temple to Melqart, the Phoenician version of Heracles. The beauty of the Castle can be seen in old illustrations of it; however, after bearing several wars, it has been damaged and renovated several times. It was partially destroyed by the Mamluks when they took over the city from the Crusaders, but they subsequently rebuilt it and added the long causeway. The castle later fell into disuse, but was again restored in the 17th century by Emir Fakhreddine II, only to suffer great damage.
There is a possibility that the island on which the castle is built was, in fact, the location of the Phoenician King's palace and several other Phoenician monuments which were destroyed by Esarhaddon and then by natural earthquakes.This island has also served as a shelter from inside attacks on the city.Great Sidon, Little Sidon, powerful fortresses, pastures, cisterns and fortifications are all mentioned in the Assyrian king Sennacherib's recordings of his attacks on Sidon and...
Read moreOld historical place... On a very nice view 👌 👍 Entry is not free but in the past the entry was free...where you go and relax and enjoy there 😉. But now I went there and the entrance to it was 2500 L.L. only it was very cheap price for entry. And I love it ❤. Also it is a good place to take a photos 📸 with the castle and with your lovely friends 😊 ❤ and you family 👪 and your wife and kids 👨👩👧👦 . And this beautiful sea castle build by the Crusaders in the 13th century. A beautiful architecture they used some roman blocks from the city to build it. The purpose of building this castle is to protect the city and the port from attacks, it was only a military force. It is also an awesome architecture, awesome and good quality type of stones to build a sea castle 🏰. I have enjoyed very much there 😊 with my father and grandfather 👴 also my grandfather told us about the history about that place and what was he do there when he was a youn man 👨 🧍♂️. Also a lot of many tourists people vist this historical place and get excited and enjoyed there. I advice you to go to Sidon Sea Castle 🏰 with your friends and with your family members and with your wife and your kids also couples can go and enjoy there time there with each others. Finally I loved 😍 ❤ so much going there and I wish to repeat the visit...
Read moreThe Sidon Sea Castle stands as a magnificent testament to Lebanon’s rich history and architectural splendor. Perched on the azure waters of the Mediterranean, this ancient fortress was constructed by the Crusaders in the early 13th century, embodying a blend of strategic design and timeless grandeur. A visit to the Sidon Sea Castle is like stepping back in time, where the echoes of a storied past resonate through its stone walls.
The castle's design reflects its purpose as a defense stronghold, with its robust towers and commanding position over the harbor. As you wander through its winding passages, you’ll uncover layers of history that tell tales of its evolution under various civilizations, including the Mamluks and Ottomans. Climbing to the top of the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sidon’s coastline and bustling old city, making it a haven for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Exploring the Sidon Sea Castle is more than a journey through ancient ruins; it’s an invitation to connect with Sidon’s vibrant heritage. Whether you’re captivated by medieval architecture or simply seeking a serene escape by the sea, this iconic landmark delivers an unforgettable experience. A visit here is not just a tour—it's an adventure into the heart of Lebanon's...
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