Syria is located at 20 km east of the city of Tartus, around 50 km north-west from Homs and very near to the Lebanese border. Chastel Blanc is one of the famous fortresses in Syria. Chastel Blanc, Syria is now known to all as Safita. The fortress rises at an altitude of 320 meters, amongst the terrains of the Mounts Ansariyes. The enclosure of the fortress takes the shape of an irregular polygon and comprises of a double flanked wall line of oblong towers. Between the two enclosures, one can still catch a glimpse of the vestiges of many arched stores. In the center of the second enclosure, stands tall the principal tower of Chastel Blanc, Syria. The tower is 31 meters in length on 18 wide.
The History of Chastel Blanc, Syria
According to the chronicle of Aboulfeda, the fortress was seized by Nour-ed-Din in 1167 and it was destroyed partly. After 1188 the Knights Templar took control of Chastel Blanc in Syria and the major work on the present keep, probably dates from their reconstruction of the earlier fortress. After having returned to the hands of the Franks, an earthquake again destroyed most of its enclosing walls in 1202. The Fortress was seized by Baybars in 1271 by the Mameluke Sultan Baibars. The evacuation of the castle was ordered by the Master of the Templars in Tartous. Its fall certainly left Tartous, one of the last Crusader strongholds on the mainland, increasingly exposed, contributing to its abandonment in 1291.
The Vault in Chastel Blanc, Syria
The ground floor of the keep is occupied by the vault which is utilized by the Syrian Christians of the area. The arch stone of the entrance gate is decorated with a blossomed cross similar to that which still exists above the entrance of the Castle of Tortose. The basement of the vault consists of a water cistern cut directly in the rock. The vault is 25 meters in length inside the walls, over a width of 10.5 meters.
The Apse and the Windows in the Vault in Chastel Blanc, Syria
The semicircular apse is elevated from the nave of two steps. In the apse, two small passages give access on the right and on the left, to two small rectangular parts are lit by loopholes. The windows which light the building, resemble some defensive loopholes. A staircase along the southern wall which is closed by a door reinforced of sliding bars and bolts, gives access to the higher floor.
Stage and Armory in Chastel Blanc, Syria
The stage in the castle consists of a vast armory which resembles one of the large rooms of Tortose. This room is constructed inside the walls and is 26 meters long and 16 meters wide. Three pillars supporting the vaults separate the room in two parts like that has been done in the room of the castle of Tortose. A staircase is located in the south-western angle of the room and gives access to the higher platform. The parapet of this defensive terrace is pierced by loopholes alternating with crenels. From this platform one can look far and it is easy to exchange signals with the other fortresses and towers of defense.
Chastel Blanc, Syria is no doubt a piece of an architectural wonder and every tourist will find a trip to this castle an enjoyable experience.
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