Location: 85 km from Tartous
Found: 12th century
Alayka Castle (Arabic: قلعة العليقة, also known as Aliqa Castle) is a medieval fortress in Syria, which is the ruins of an ancient fortification associated with the history of the Crusades and the Ismaili sects. It is a relatively unknown site, not among the most famous Syrian castles such as Krak des Chevaliers or the Citadel of Aleppo, but has its own unique history and architectural features. The castle is located in a remote mountainous area, which makes it a challenge for travelers to visit. Below, I will describe its aspects in detail based on historical and architectural data.
Aleyka Castle is located in the Tartus Governorate, in northwestern
Syria, near the Mediterranean coast. It is located in the village of
Aliqa (العَليقة), about 85 kilometers east of the city of Tartus. The
coordinates are approximately 35°10'37" N and 36°7'20" E. The fortress
rises at an altitude of about 903 meters above sea level in the coastal
mountains of Syria, amidst a hilly landscape with deep gorges and dense
vegetation. It is part of a region rich in historical fortifications
built to control trade routes and defend against invasion.
Getting to
the castle is not easy: the nearest large city is Baniyas (Banias), from
which you can get there by minibuses (minibuses) running several times a
day. The journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour, and is along
winding mountain roads. Minibuses leave from a small parking area along
the seaside corniche in Baniyas, north of the Qadmous bus station. From
there it is a short walk of about 200–300 metres to the castle itself.
Return transport is limited: the last minibuses to Baniyas leave early
in the day, so an early start is recommended. Alternatively, you can
drive to the nearby village of al-Anazeh (العنازة), 8 km to the
northwest, and leave later, but this may require hitchhiking or walking.
Due to its remoteness and poor infrastructure, visiting the castle
requires preparation, especially given the current situation in Syria
(conflicts and travel restrictions).
Aleyka Castle dates back to the 11th–12th centuries and is associated
with the Crusades. It was built or significantly strengthened during the
time of the Syrian Nizari Ismailis (known as the Assassins or Nizaris),
a Shia sect that controlled a number of fortresses in Syria and Lebanon
during the 12th century. The Ismailis used these castles as bases for
military operations, reconnaissance, and defense against the Crusaders
and Sunni rulers.
In the 12th century, the castle was under the
control of the Nizari Ismailis and was used extensively during the
Crusades. Archaeological finds, such as tombstones with Latin
inscriptions within the fortress, indicate battles with the Crusaders,
likely involving skirmishes between the Ismailis and the knights of the
European orders. These stones indicate the burial places of those killed
in battle, highlighting the castle's strategic importance as an outpost.
Later, in the 13th century, the castle is mentioned in connection with
the Mamluk Sultan Baibars (Baybars I, r. 1260–1277), who led campaigns
against the Crusaders and Ismailis in Syria. Baibars captured and
destroyed many Ismaili fortresses, and although the exact details of
Aleyka's fate are not always clear, it is assumed that he may have had
an influence on its history. After the fall of the Ismaili state, the
castle gradually declined, losing its military importance, and
eventually fell into ruins.
Overall, the history of the castle
reflects a turbulent period in the Middle East: the struggle between
Muslim factions, the Crusaders, and the Mongol invasions. It was not as
grand as other Syrian castles, but served as an important link in the
network of Ismaili fortifications.
The architecture of Aleyka Castle is typical of medieval Middle
Eastern fortresses of the period, with an emphasis on defense. The main
feature is the concentric structure: the castle consists of two levels
or "rings" of fortifications, with the outer wall surrounding an inner
citadel. This allowed the defenders to retreat deep and continue to
resist even after the outer perimeter was breached. Such designs were
common in Ismaili and Crusader castles, inspired by Byzantine and Arab
traditions.
The outer walls were thick and high, with towers for
observation and shooting. The inner part included living quarters,
storehouses and possibly a mosque or prayer halls, given the Ismaili
character. Arches and vaults, typical of Islamic architecture, were used
in the construction. The castle was built on a rocky hill, using the
natural terrain for additional protection: deep gorges on the sides made
approaches difficult for besiegers.
However, today the architecture
has suffered greatly: only fragments of walls, a few arches and parts of
towers remain. There are no complete buildings or impressive elements,
as in other castles. The ruins require some imagination to visualize the
original appearance - it is not a restored object, but rather an
archaeological site with scattered stones and remains of foundations.
Nowadays, Aleyka Castle is a ruin that does not justify much effort
to visit unless you are a history or archaeology enthusiast. Little
remains of its former glory: a few walls, arches and tower fragments are
scattered across the hill. The site is not equipped for tourists - there
are no signs, museums or infrastructure, and access may be limited due
to weather or security.
Among the features are the mentioned
tombstones with Latin inscriptions, which are rare evidence of the
Crusades. The castle is also associated with Islamic monuments and is
included in the list of archaeological sites in Syria. Its elevated
position offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but due
to the deterioration, it is more a place for reflection on the past than
for visual enjoyment.
In the context of Syria, the castle symbolizes
a rich heritage, but suffers from wars and abandonment. If planning a
visit, it is best combined with other attractions in the region, such as
the fortress of Markab or the city of Tartus.