Beirut Castle, Medieval fortress in Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut Castle is a fortified structure on elevated ground near the port entrance with thick stone walls and defensive towers. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and features the compact design typical of harbor defense installations with strategic positioning.
The fortress emerged through multiple construction phases and served as a military post for centuries. In 1844 it was converted into the Majidiye Mosque under Ottoman administration.
The fortress displays a blend of Eastern and Western defensive building styles in its solid walls and ramparts. Visitors can see how layers of construction reflect different periods when various powers shaped this space.
The fortress sits near the port and lies just a short walk from other historical landmarks in the city center. Access is straightforward, though uneven ground requires sturdy footwear.
Before the fortress took on its current religious function, its lower chambers briefly served as a storage facility for merchants conducting trade in the region. This commercial phase ended when the structure received its new purpose.
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