Shmemis, Castle ruin in Salamiyah, Syria.
The castle stands upon an extinct volcano at 533 meters elevation, featuring high walls and a deep moat reaching 15 meters in depth.
Originally built in the 1st century BC by Sampsiceramus I, the castle underwent reconstruction in 1229 by Assad ud-Din Shirkoh after Persian destruction.
The structure displays architectural elements from multiple periods, incorporating Hellenistic foundations with Islamic military construction techniques.
The site requires advance travel arrangements from Damascus, with spring offering moderate temperatures suitable for exploring the archaeological remains.
The castle contains two wells: one for water supply and another for storage, with walls specially coated in lime and sludge for preservation.
Location: Salamiyah
Inception: 1230
GPS coordinates: 35.03680,37.01351
Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15
Qatna
26.2 km
Norias of Hama
26.1 km
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
43.1 km
Church of Saint Elian
43.3 km
Qasr ibn Wardan
41.8 km
Azm Palace
26 km
Hama Castle
26.4 km
Homs Municipal Stadium
44.7 km
Citadel of Homs
44.3 km
Gates of Homs
44.3 km
Chmemis Castle
24 m
Great Mosque of Hama
26.7 km
Nur al-Din Mosque
26.2 km
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
43.6 km
Shir
39.5 km
Abu'l-Fida Mosque
26.7 km
Hama Municipal Stadium
24.6 km
Necropolis of Emesa
44.7 km
Melkite Catholic Archeparchy of Homs
43.3 km
Zahrawi Palace
43.4 km
جامع الحسنين
26.4 km
Forty Martyrs Cathedral, Homs
43.5 km
Syrian Catholic Archeparchy of Homs
43.3 km
Saint George's Cathedral, Hama
26.6 km
Rastan
28.8 km
Homs Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
43.4 km
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
43.7 km
Qasr al-Antar
39.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes