Chmemis Castle, Medieval fortress near Salamiyah, Syria
The fortress stands on a flattened summit of an extinct volcanic cone, surrounded by a 15-meter deep moat and equipped with two wells.
Built in the 1st century BC by Sampsiceramus I, the castle underwent reconstruction in 1229 under Assad ud-Din Shirkoh, following earthquake damage and Persian invasions.
The castle served as a residence for the royal family of Emesa and contained facilities for housing soldiers who protected the surrounding territory.
The castle remains are accessible through regular microbuses connecting Hama to Salamiyah, with a 30-minute hiking path leading from the main road.
The structure incorporates large stones and basalt in its construction, featuring a deep cistern with a five-meter diameter in its southern section.
GPS coordinates: 35.03701,37.01348
Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15
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