Belvoir Fortress (Kokhav HaYarden)
Located in northern Israel overlooking the Jordan Valley, Belvoir Fortress, also known as Kokhav HaYarden, is one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the country. Built around 1168 by the Knights Hospitaller, it was strategically positioned to protect the eastern frontier of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem from Muslim armies.
The fortress’ name means “beautiful view” in French—and it’s easy to see why. From its walls, visitors enjoy sweeping panoramas of the Jordan River and the hills of Transjordan. Architecturally, Belvoir is a masterpiece of military design. It features a double fortification system with an inner square castle surrounded by a larger, rectangular outer wall. Its moats, drawbridges, and arrow slits showcase the advanced engineering skills of the Crusaders.
Despite its strength, Belvoir fell to Saladin in 1189 after an 18-month siege. Today, visitors can explore its restored towers, gates, and courtyards, feeling the echo of medieval battles in every stone.
Montfort Castle
Hidden deep in the Upper Galilee, the romantic ruins of Montfort Castle rise dramatically above the Nahal Kziv valley. Unlike coastal strongholds, Montfort was a mountain fortress built by the Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century. Its name, meaning “Strong Mountain,” perfectly captures its imposing setting.
The castle served as the headquarters of the Teutonic Order in the Holy Land. Designed more for administration and residence than war, Montfort combined practicality with elegance. Archaeological excavations have revealed halls, towers, and even fragments of Gothic windows that hint at the luxury once found here.
Montfort fell to the Mamluks in 1271 and was never rebuilt, leaving behind haunting ruins surrounded by lush forest. Today, reaching it involves a scenic hike through the Galilee, rewarding visitors with panoramic views and a true sense of adventure. It’s a must-see for those who appreciate both history and nature.
Acre (Akko) Fortress
The port city of Acre, also known as Akko, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Israel’s greatest Crusader treasures. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Acre was the capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem after the fall of the Holy City to Saladin. It was a bustling hub of trade, diplomacy, and military activity.
Beneath the Ottoman-era city lies a remarkably preserved Crusader quarter, including vast halls, tunnels, and fortifications once used by the Knights Hospitaller. The Knights’ Halls, with their massive stone arches and dim lighting, transport visitors straight into the medieval world. Nearby, the Templar Tunnel—an underground passage connecting the fortress to the port—offers a thrilling glimpse into the city’s strategic design.
Acre’s layered history is astonishing: Crusader ruins lie beneath Ottoman and modern structures, revealing a city built quite literally on top of its past. For history enthusiasts, Acre is not just a site—it’s an entire Crusader world preserved in stone.
Atlit Fortress (Château Pèlerin)
On the northern coast of Israel, south of Haifa, stand the remains of Atlit Fortress, also known by its French name Château Pèlerin, meaning “Castle of the Pilgrims.” Built in 1218 by the Knights Templar, it was one of the most formidable Crusader fortresses ever constructed in the Holy Land.
The Templars chose Atlit for its strategic coastal location, allowing them to monitor sea routes and defend pilgrims arriving by ship. The fortress was heavily fortified with double walls, towers, and a massive moat. Even after the fall of Acre in 1291, Atlit remained one of the last Crusader strongholds before eventually being abandoned.
Today, the site is within a military zone and not fully accessible to the public, but visitors can view parts of the ruins and the Crusader cemetery nearby, where ancient carved tombstones still bear the marks of Templar crosses. The fortress stands as a silent monument to the military might and devotion of the Crusaders.
Arsuf (Apollonia) Fortress
Perched dramatically on cliffs above the Mediterranean near Herzliya, Arsuf Fortress, also known as Apollonia, combines natural beauty with gripping history. Originally a Phoenician settlement, Arsuf became a fortified Crusader city in the 12th century and played a major role during the Third Crusade.
In 1191, it was the site of the Battle of Arsuf, where Richard the Lionheart defeated Saladin’s forces—a pivotal victory for the Crusaders. The fortress itself, built by the Knights Hospitaller, was later destroyed by the Mamluks in 1265.
Today, Apollonia National Park preserves the remains of the Crusader citadel, including its moat, walls, and gate towers. Walking along the coastal cliffs, visitors can imagine the clash of armies below and admire the stunning sea views that once made this site a strategic stronghold. Arsuf offers a perfect blend of history, archaeology, and breathtaking scenery.
Nimrod Fortress (Qal’at Namrud)
Towering over the Golan Heights at nearly 800 meters above sea level, Nimrod Fortress (also known as Qal’at Namrud) is often associated with later Islamic rulers, but its origins date back to the Crusader and early Ayyubid periods. The fortress was expanded by Muslim sultans after the Crusaders’ decline, creating a blend of architectural influences that make it one of the most impressive mountain fortresses in the Middle East.
Built to guard the route between Damascus and the Galilee, Nimrod Fortress commands breathtaking views of Mount Hermon and the Hula Valley. Its massive towers, secret passages, and inner citadel evoke the grandeur of medieval warfare. The fortress’s scale and setting are awe-inspiring—many visitors describe it as Israel’s own “castle in the clouds.”
Today, the fortress is part of a national park, allowing travelers to wander through its ruins, climb its lookout towers, and feel the echoes of centuries-old battles that once shaped the destiny of the region.
