Maniqa, Medieval castle in Syrian Coastal Mountain Range, Syria.
The castle stands on a high platform, offering control over the surrounding plains and ancient trade routes through the mountainous region.
In 1028, Byzantine commander Michael Spondyles built the fortress with a 1,000-strong garrison, which was later eliminated by Arab tribal leader Nasr ibn Musharraf.
The fortress represents the architectural expertise of multiple civilizations, including Byzantine, Assassin, and Mamluk building techniques and military engineering.
The castle remains are accessible through mountain paths, with the main structure visible from various points in the surrounding valleys.
The fortress changed hands through an unusual sequence of betrayals, including a Byzantine commander tricked into building it for his adversary.
GPS coordinates: 35.23472,36.09611
Latest update: March 9, 2025 21:23
Masyaf Castle
29.3 km
Arwad
47.4 km
Citadel of Salah Ed-Din
40.4 km
Margat
16.3 km
Qalaat al-Madiq
33.9 km
Chastel Blanc
46.1 km
Al-Kahf Castle
21.6 km
Hosn Suleiman
36.4 km
Great Colonnade at Apamea
34.4 km
Ba'rin
43 km
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa
43 km
Arch of Septimius Severus
42.2 km
Roman Theatre of Jableh
21.1 km
Latakia Sports City Stadium
48.3 km
Tartus Castle
42.9 km
Roman Theatre at Apamea
34.2 km
National Museum of Latakia
43.1 km
Abu Qubais Castle
21.3 km
Bourzey Castle
48.3 km
Melkite Catholic Archeparchy of Laodicea
42.3 km
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
42.7 km
Mahalibeh Castle
30.4 km
National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Latakia
43.1 km
Bani Qahtan Castle
38.9 km
Aleika Castle
6.9 km
Al-Sheikh Deeb Castle
35.2 km
مسجد القبة
42.4 km
السرايا الحميدية (اللاذقية)
42.8 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes