Krak des Chevaliers
Qal'at al-Hosn · Qalaat al-Hosn · Crac des Chevaliers
Crusader to Mamluk (11th c Kurdish fort; Hospitaller 1142–1271; Mamluk after 1271)·Kurdish / Frankish (Hospitaller) / Mamluk·🇸🇾 Homs Governorate, Syria
About
About Krak des Chevaliers
Paradigmatic concentric Crusader castle, Krak des Chevaliers was built by Kurdish emir and expanded by Knights Hospitaller 1142–1271. Double-walled fortress with outer ditch, bent entrance, Gothic loggia, chapel and great hall for 2,000 garrison. Held out until Baibars' siege 1271. With Qal'at Salah El-Din, illustrates Crusader military architecture evolution. UNESCO since 2006.
Why it mattersModel concentric Crusader castle; Hospitaller military architecture pinnacle
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Extent of Mamluk Sultan Baibars' modifications vs Hospitaller fabric
- 02Earlier Kurdish phase foundations beneath Hospitaller outer ward
Theories
- 01Concentric design influence on Edward I's Welsh castles after Crusader contact
- 02Castle never taken by assault, only surrender after forged order (chronicle claim)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Initial fort 1031 by emir of Homs; Hospitaller concentric castle 1142–1250
- Period
- Crusader to Mamluk (11th c Kurdish fort; Hospitaller 1142–1271; Mamluk after 1271)
- Culture
- Kurdish / Frankish (Hospitaller) / Mamluk
- Purpose
- Hospitaller frontier fortress controlling Homs Gap between coast and interior Syria
- Excavation
- Excavated
Initial fort 1031 by emir of Homs; Hospitaller concentric castle 1142–1250
Initial construction
c. 1700 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
34.7578° N · 36.2944° E · 650 m · 3 mapped features
Outer Ward and Moat
fortificationSteep glacis and rock-cut moat with drawbridge approach
34.7585° N · 36.2955° EHospitaller Great Hall
hall60 m Gothic barrel-vaulted hall for knights
34.7575° N · 36.2940° EChapel
chapelConverted mosque/chapel with gothic vaulting and fresco traces
34.7572° N · 36.2942° E
Gallery