Great visit in the Golan – Review of Nimrod Fortress …
Posted By admin on August 7, 2015
I just returned from a northern trip to Israel with my family.
If you had time to only to visit one castle in the country make it this one!
It's the largest Crusader-Era castle in the country. Despite the fact it's not Crusader. The location is historical, the castle acted as a physical barrier along the mountain passes to Damascus. It was made to be formidable after the failed attack on the Damascus Emirate of the 2nd Crusade.
Origininally, it was a fortified settlement occupied by a sect of Shi'ite Muslims called the Ashishim. The ashishim fought against Saladin.
Eventually when Saladin was able to control Damascus and the surrounding areas, including the mountains where castle is located. Saladin now could turn his attention to the multiple Crusader Castle networks across the valley. In fact this castle can easily view Beaufort Castle in Lebanon and the Marigold Castle just above Qiryat Sh'mona.
What incurred was a castle defense-castle raid slug match. Between Saladin and the Crusaders.
When the Mamluke rebelled against Saladins descendants and took power over the region, led by Baibars. Baibars during his campaign against the Crusaders. He enlarges to the castle to the mighty size we see it today. The castle acted as a major stop for the Mamluke pipeline-postal road that stretched from Damascus to Cairo.
Eventually with no threats insight. The castle was later used as a daunting prison In the late Mamluke period and early Ottmon period.
The castle also acted as a headquarter during the land wars between the Maronites and Druze in the 19th century.
The view alone is so impressive. The massive castle is well marked. But there is not a lot explanations. Try and visit early in morning and almost when park is about to close. The heat + stairs can be exhausting. There are restrooms and a place for ice cream.
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Great visit in the Golan - Review of Nimrod Fortress ...
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