Sidon Sea Castle, Crusader castle on Mediterranean island, Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon Sea Castle stands on a small island offshore and is connected to the mainland by a causeway approximately 80 meters long. Two substantial towers define the structure, linked together by thick defensive walls.
The fortress was built in 1228 during the Crusader period, replacing an earlier Phoenician temple dedicated to the god Melqart at that location. This site thus records more than seven centuries of religious and military history.
The fortress blends architectural elements from Rome, the Crusades, and the Ottoman era, with Roman columns visibly integrated into the outer walls. These layers reflect how different peoples shaped the same place over time.
A staircase leads upward to the castle roof, offering views over Sidon's old city and the fishing harbor below. The pathways are rocky and can become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
Beneath the water surrounding the fortress lie remains of an ancient Phoenician settlement, with sunken walls and columns among the archaeological finds underwater. This submerged layer offers divers and researchers a rare glimpse into life at this location long before the Crusader era.
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