Beaufort Castle, Crusader castle in Arnoun, Lebanon
Beaufort Castle is a crusader castle in Arnoun, Lebanon, standing on a steep rocky outcrop above the Litani River. The structure includes stone walls, several towers, and defensive works that spread along the cliff edge and overlook the surrounding terrain.
The fortress was built around 1150 and served different powers as a military base over the centuries, including crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottoman forces. In the 17th century, Fakhreddin II ordered parts of the complex rebuilt to suit his needs.
The name comes from the French words meaning beautiful fort, recalling the European knights who once lived here. Today locals and travelers visit the ruins to walk among the old walls and take in the view over the valley.
Visitors reach the ruins from Arnoun, often with local guides who show the way through the rocky terrain. Morning hours offer cooler temperatures and good light for exploring the fortifications and taking photographs.
The lowest layers of the walls rest on Roman foundations that stood here before the crusades began. In some spots you can still see ancient stonework next to the heavy medieval blocks added later.
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