Old town
Castles

Picture


Built in 1228 on top of a Phoenician temple, the Sea Castle was constructed by the Crusaders to defend Saida’s harbor. The castle was largely destroyed by the Mamluks in 1291 to prevent the Crusaders from re-establishing and was restored by Fakhr el-Dine Maan II in the early 17th century. Its current state is largely due to bombardments of Saida in 1840.

As typical of Crusader architecture, the castle features recycled Roman stones and columns. The west tower is well preserved, while the one in the east requires some imagination. There, a small domed mosque was erected by the Ottomans, while the narrow causeway to the castle was added by the Arabs. The entrance fee is 4,000 LBP.

 

 

Check the map below for an overview of all Cultural locations across Lebanon.