Israel is a home to a number of Crusader castles built mostly by the Roman Catholics during the power struggle between the two religious communities over the Holy Land. The castles were tactically built over the hills near significant trade routes giving them the power to have a control over the state’s economy. The sturdy stone castles built during the violent times of the 12th century still stand strong in Israel. Some of them are major archeological sites where many artifacts from the Byzantine period have been uncovered. Let us have a look at this list of medieval castles in Israel and get a peek into the time of power struggle in the Middle East.
8 Enchanting Israel Castles
A visit to at least five of these castles in Israel is a must for all fans of history and architecture. So, which of these would you visit first on your holiday?
1. Belvoir Castle
Image Credit – Herwig Reidlinger for Wikimedia
A few kilometers south of the Sea of Galilee, on the hills of Issachar stands the majestic Belvoir Castle in Israel overlooking the River Jordan. The Belvoir Castle was built by Velos in the early 11th century with two coaxial fortresses, watchtowers and a moat. The castle, with its strategic placement, has proven to be the best defense from the eastern invasion. Though most of the castle walls are in ruins, restoration work in the Belvoir Castle in Israel is under progress and is open for the public to walk through the glorious fortress.
Location: Route 717, Bet Shean, Israel
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 400
Must Read: 10 Hip And Historic Hostels In Israel Perfect For Exploring Its Cities
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
2. Nimrod Fortress
Nimrod Fortress is seen perched on the foothills of the highest snow-capped mountain of Israel-Mount Hermon. It is located near the Banias Nature Reserve in the Hula Valley and is the biggest fortress of Israel. It was built by the king Nimrod in the later years of 12th century. The main attractions of the fortress are the towers, the cistern fountain and the inscription on the western gate. Visitors can opt for a day hike to the fortress where one can even enjoy the beautiful Golan Heights views.
Location: Route 989, Golan Heights, Israel
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 400
3. Kerak Castle
Kerak Castle is a magnificent castle built in the Levant region of the Middle East. It was built by the King of Jerusalem in the early 11th century and is the most well-preserved castle in the region. The castle is being refurbished in parts and the main interest of the Kerak Castle is an archeological museum that showcases the history and triumph of the castle. It is the most visited tourist attraction in the Levant and is a great way to get a glimpse of the Ottoman rule in the country.
Location: Amman, Jordan
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: INR 100
Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Israel: Know Why It’s On Every Wanderer’s Bucket List
4. Montfort Castle
The ruins of the 13th century Montfort Castle in Israel can be found in the Nahal Kziv Nature Reserve of the Galilee Valley. The secluded fortress can be reached only on foot. One has to hike through the nature reserve past the River Kziv to reach the castle which takes about an hour. The most interesting part of the Montfort Castle in Israel is the Gothic Hall that was built during the reign of the Teutonic Knights in the area.
Location: Goren Park, Elifelet, Israel
Timings: Any time of the day
5. Apollonia Castle
Also known as the Arsuf Castle ruins, this Crusader castle in Israel has a history of over a thousand years dating back to the Byzantine era. It is located to the south of Caesarea overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The ruins have been excavated in the Apollonia National Park where visitors can see the proof of the battle between the Lionheart and King Saladin.
Location: Hertsliya Pituach, Israel
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 350
Suggested Read: 12 Perfect Wedding Venues In Israel For Your Happily-Ever-After In 2022!
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
6. Atlit Fortress
Atlit Fortress is more commonly known as the Chateau Pelerin in north Israel. This ancient Knights Templar Castle was built in the 12th century and is currently under the control of the Israeli Navy. Since it is a defense area, visitors are not allowed entry into the fortress. Instead, one can visit the Knights Templar Castle hall in the city of Akko a few kilometers away.
Location: Akko, Northeastern Israel
Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Israel: The Beginning Of A Lifelong Romance
7. Caesarea Fortress
Caesarea is a major archeological port city in Israel where the remains of the ancient Roman City built by King Herod is found. Excavations by archeologists are still carried on while a few remains such as the Roman amphitheater and the Roman fountain have been refurbished and open to the public. It is also a venue for major public events in the country and the most visited castle in Israel. A Crusader Cathedral, King Herod’s Palace and the Hippodrome are the must-visit attractions in the city.
Location: Caesarea, Israel
Timings: Any time of the day
Entry fee: INR 700
Suggested Read: 15 Scenic Israel Beaches That You Ought To Visit In 2022!
8. Masada Fortress
Masada Fortress is a desert fortress located on a high plateau adjacent to the Dead Sea. Sitting on the hill is the Palace built by the king Herod along with some Roman bathhouses, watch towers and a Synagogue. The palace ruins are ethereal with colorful tiles on the ceiling. It makes a for a perfect day trip from Tel Aviv. One can either hike up to the fortress or ride a gondola. The fortress has also been a venue for many events in the past and continues to hold the visitor’s intrigue through a sound and light show every evening.
Location: Masada National Park, Israel
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee: INR 1400
Further Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Israel In 2022 For An Extended Tour Of The Holy Land
Israel has a barbaric history of battles and power struggle and these castles in Israel are the proof of it. It is interesting to learn how Israel got back its independence from the rule of Greeks, Persians, Romans, Ottomans, and the Teutonic Knights. Book your trip today with TravelTriangle to experience the days of the Roman rule in Israel’s archeological castle ruins.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
