Chastel Blanc, Crusader castle in Safita, Syria.
Chastel Blanc is a stone fortress rising about 28 meters on a middle hill of Safita with thick limestone walls built for defense. The structure contains multiple levels accessible through preserved stone staircases that wind upward through the building.
The Knights Templar built this fortress after 1117 as part of their network of strongholds across the region. It was designed to work alongside other castles and fortifications to defend coastal and inland territories.
The ground floor chapel dedicated to Saint Michael continues to serve the local Greek Orthodox community for religious observances today. This sacred space shows how the building has remained a place of worship across different periods and cultures.
The fortress sits between Tartus and the Lebanese border in a location that visitors can reach from nearby towns. The elevated position on a hill means visitors should expect to climb stairs to reach the upper levels and observation areas.
A large bell mounted on the western wall once served as a signaling device that could be heard across great distances. This practical system reveals how medieval fortresses maintained communication across the surrounding landscape.
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