Sidon Sea Castle, Crusader castle on Mediterranean island, Sidon, Lebanon
The fortress stands on a small island connected to the mainland by an 80-meter causeway, featuring two towers linked by thick defensive walls.
Built in 1228 during the Crusader period, the castle occupies a former site of a Phoenician temple dedicated to Melqart on the Mediterranean coast.
The castle combines different architectural elements from Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman periods, including Roman columns used as horizontal reinforcements in the outer walls.
Visitors can climb the winding staircase to reach the castle roof, which provides views of Sidon's old city and fishing harbor.
Archaeological evidence reveals ancient Phoenician structures submerged beneath the sea surrounding the castle, including walls, columns, stairways, and cisterns.
Location: Sidon
Inception: 1228
GPS coordinates: 33.56700,35.37110
Latest update: May 13, 2025 17:41
Lebanon preserves thousands of years of human settlement through archaeological sites and museum collections spread across the country. Phoenician ruins are adjacent to Roman monuments, while medieval fortresses mark periods of the Crusades and Ottoman rule. In Beirut, the National Museum houses artifacts covering all the country's historical eras, and the Mim Mineral Museum displays over 2,000 specimens from around the world. Along the coast, Sidon features a 13th-century maritime fortress and the Echmoun temple, a Phoenician complex built in the 7th century BCE. Collections extend well beyond classical archaeology. The Saint-Joseph University Prehistory Museum documents prehistoric occupation in Lebanon, while the Byblos Fossil Museum showcases more than 200 petrified specimens illustrating regional geological history. These institutions provide a thorough overview of the human and natural evolution of this Mediterranean area, from early settlements to Ottoman and modern periods.
Lebanon offers diverse photo opportunities, from natural limestone formations at Raouché to ancient Roman ruins in Baalbek. The country features underground caves at Jeita, medieval markets in Byblos, and historic cedar forests. Religious buildings, coastal fortresses, and traditional architecture in cities like Tripoli and Beirut present cultural heritage. Natural areas include the Qadisha Valley, Bekaa Valley vineyards, and Mediterranean beaches at Palm Islands Reserve.
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