Montfort Castle, Crusader castle in Northern District, Israel
Montfort Castle is a Crusader fortress sitting on a steep ridge above the Kziv River valley, with stone walls running along the natural hillside terrain. The complex includes outer fortifications, a central keep, and buildings that served religious purposes.
The fortress was built in 1228 and served as headquarters for the Teutonic Knights, until Muslim forces under Sultan Baibars took it in 1271. This conquest marked the end of Crusader control of the site.
The fortification displays military building styles from France and Germany, visible in how the outer walls and inner keep were constructed differently. The layout of the defensive structures shows choices made by medieval builders about protection and control of the space.
The ruins connect to a hiking trail that runs through the Kziv Nature Reserve and requires sturdy shoes and several hours to walk. The path is demanding but does not need special equipment to enjoy.
Archaeological digs uncovered fragments of medieval stained glass, pieces of armor, and weapons that ended up in New York's Metropolitan Museum. These discoveries from a 1926 expedition tell stories about who lived here and how they worked.
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