Nimrod Fortress, Medieval fortress in the Golan Heights, Syria

Nimrod Fortress is a ruined Ayyubid and Mamluk castle on a narrow ridge about 800 m above sea level on the southern slopes of Mount Hermon. Its walls of large squared light-grey and tan stone run roughly 420 m long and 60 to 150 m wide, with rectangular and semicircular towers and a raised keep at the eastern end. The western part holds an inner fortress with its own moat and drawbridge.

Al-Aziz Uthman built the fortress in 1228 to defend the region against Crusader invasions. Later, Mamluk rulers expanded and reinforced the fortifications during subsequent centuries.

The fortress displays building techniques left by multiple rulers over centuries, reflecting the different dynasties that controlled this strategic location. You can see how each period added its own architectural style to the structure.

The site features marked pathways throughout the ruins with information panels at key locations. Wear sturdy footwear and allow time to explore the different areas at a comfortable pace.

Two bas-relief stones carved with Baibars's emblem, a young lion playing with a mouse, were found at the fortress. The first was discovered in 1998 inside an inner tower; a second, 25% larger and missing its lion's head, was found about 15 years later on the outer eastern wall, placed to be seen from afar.