Among Syrians, Abu Qubeis (آبو قبيس) is one of the most popular sites in the region around Hama (حماة). To foreign visitors, however, it is largely unknown. Locals come here mostly for the natural scenery: the village of Abu Qubeis (آبو قبيس) is located in a mountain river valley, surrounded by pine forests. Particularly in summer, this small Alawite village is full of locals picnicking along the river. …
Masyaf (مصياف) is a predominantly Ismaili town about 45 kilometers west of Hama (حماة). The primary attraction of Masyaf (مصياف) is the Ismaili castle, one of the best preserved in Syria. The town itself is also a pleasant place to explore, with an old section of town and a scenic location at the foothills of the coastal mountain range. The castle can easily be combined …
Salamiyeh (سلمية) is a predominantly Ismaili town located about forty kilometers east of Hama (حماة). The town has had a long history dating back to Roman times, and while there isn’t much evidence of it today, it is worth spending some time to see what Salamiyeh (سلمية) has to offer. The most interesting site in the city is the mosque and tomb of Imam Ismael, which was built …
Qalaat al-Rasafeh (قلعة الرصافة) is a little known and seldom visited Ismaili castle located about seven kilometers into the mountains southwest of the town of Masyaf (مصياف). While largely in ruin, it is a picturesque site surrounded by forest and worth a stop if in the area. The castle was built in a semi-circular plan from local limestone and its current shape dates back to the …
Qalaat al-Maniqeh (قلعة المنيقة) is a seldom-visited castle in the mountains southeast of Jableh (جبلة), overlooking the village of Wadi al-Qalaa (وادي القلع). While the exterior walls of the castle are fairly well-preserved and still an impressive sight from afar, the interior is mostly destroyed and/or buried (much of the interior has been used, until recently, for agriculture by local villagers). Restoration and excavation work is currently …
Qalaat Bani Qahtan (قلعة بني قحطان) is a small Ismaili castle deep in the mountains east of Jableh (جبلة). While the castle is in a generally poor state of preservation, it has seen some restoration work over the past decade. While there isn’t a whole lot to see at this site, the trip is worthwhile for the beauty of the mountain countryside in the region. …
Qalaat al-Kahf (قلعة الكهف) is perhaps the most romantically situated of all castles in Syria, perched on a rocky mountain ridge between two gorges, steep cliffs offering a natural defense. The castle is surrounded by tall mountain peaks and almost completely hidden from view. Qalaat al-Kahf (قلعة الكهف) rivals Qalaat Salah al-Din (قلعة صلاحالدين) with regards to the beautiful setting, and most travelers who make …
Qalaat al-Khawabi (قلعة الخوابي) is an impressive Ismaili castle located over the village of the same name. It has been largely modified over centuries of occupation by local villagers and the original layout of the castle is somewhat difficult to distinguish, but a visit is still worthwhile. Interestingly, Qalaat al-Khawabi (قلعة الخوابي) is one of the few Sunni Muslim villages in the area in a region that is predominantly Christian and …
Qalaat al-Ileiqeh (قلعة العليقة) was once a significant Ismaeli castle, though little remains today to justify the effort needed to reach it. A few walls and arches survive, as well as portions of a couple towers, but it takes a strong imagination to really appreciate the site. Nonetheless, the location is quite scenic and the views on the road leading to the castle are spectacular. …
al-Qadmous (القدموس) is a mixed Alawite and Ismaili mountain village located roughly halfway between Banias (بانياس) and Masyaf (مصياف). Little remains of the Ismaili stronghold that once dominated the area, the castle’s fortifications have since been destroyed or pillaged for building material. The castle gate is about all you’ll see, though the views of the surrounding countryside are impressive. Within the castle some arches and …
