Château Pèlerin, Crusader castle in Atlit, Israel

Château Pèlerin is a Crusader fortress located on the Mediterranean coast near Atlit, featuring double defensive walls surrounding the compound. The structure measures approximately 280 meters long and 160 meters wide, with a square layout typical of Templar military architecture.

The Knights Templar built this fortress in 1218 during the Fifth Crusade as a key stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. Mamluk forces captured it in 1291, ending Crusader control in this region.

The castle's name probably comes from the pilgrims who volunteered their labour during its construction. The Templars built a protected harbour on the south side of the promontory and dug three fresh-water wells inside the enclosure. A large Crusader cemetery, about 80 by 100 metres, lies north of the castle on the beach, with hundreds of graves, some bearing carved markers.

The fortress sits within a restricted military zone of the Israeli naval base, which limits visitor access to the site. Before planning a visit, check current access conditions, as only archaeological teams and researchers typically have regular entry permissions.

The castle's name likely comes from pilgrims who volunteered their labour during construction. North of the fortress, on the beach, lies a Crusader cemetery about 80 by 100 metres with hundreds of graves, some bearing carved markers.