King's Castle

King's Castle is a castle ruin in Mi'ilya, Israel, featuring four square towers and thick defensive walls on elevated ground. The remains offer views across the Galilean landscape and show the strategic placement of the fortifications.

The castle served King Baldwin III as a stronghold in the 12th century during the Crusades and was later handed to the Teutonic Knights. This shift in control shows how power changed hands in the region during medieval times.

The structure shows how European medieval military design merged with local building methods of the Holy Land. Visitors can see this blend in the remaining stone walls and how the fortifications are arranged.

The archaeological site is accessible through the village of Mi'ilya and offers guided tours to explore the remaining fortification elements. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and there is little shade, so bring water and sun protection.

The castle housed one of the largest wine production facilities among all Crusader strongholds in the region, showing its economic importance. Remains of cellars and presses are still visible and remind visitors of the medieval agriculture in the area.