Chmemis Castle, Medieval fortress near Salamiyah, Syria
Chmemis Castle is a medieval fortress located on a flattened summit of an extinct volcanic cone near Salamiyah, Syria. The structure was originally surrounded by a deep moat measuring about 15 meters and contained two wells to supply water.
The fortress was founded in the first half of the 1st century BC by Sampsiceramus I and shaped the region for centuries. It underwent major reconstruction in 1229 under Assad ud-Din Shirkoh following earthquake damage and foreign invasions.
The fortress held deep meaning for the ancient kingdom of Emesa, serving as a symbol of power and protection for surrounding communities. The structures that remain today reflect how such strongholds shaped daily life and territorial control in the region.
The site is reachable by minibus connecting Hama and Salamiyah to the surrounding area. A roughly 30-minute walk from the main road brings you to the fortress structures.
The construction features a notable blend of large stones and basalt, reflecting the local building materials available at the time. A remarkable cistern with a diameter of around 5 meters located in the southern section reveals how ancient inhabitants managed water resources.
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