Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din

　　Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din best illustrate the mutual influence of different powers, documenting the evolution of Near Eastern fortifications during the Crusades (11th to 13th centuries). Between 1142 and 1271, the Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem built Crac des Chevaliers, which was further expanded by the Mamluks in the late 13th century.

　　Crac des Chevaliers is one of the best-preserved Crusader fortresses, representing a classic example of medieval military architecture, including eight circular towers built by the Hospitallers and a later square tower constructed by the Mamluks. Similarly, Qal’at Salah El-Din stands out as an outstanding example of such fortifications, both in terms of architectural quality and the preservation of its stratified layers, even though parts of it are now in ruins. The site retains early 10th-century Byzantine features, late 12th-century Frankish modifications, and defensive structures built by the Ayyubid dynasty from the late 12th to mid-13th century.

　　Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din Must-visit reason: Castles that best showcase the mutual influence of different powers