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The Crusader States and Their Enduring Legacy: A Road Trip Through Israel’s Medieval Castles

When the First Crusade captured Jerusalem in 1099, it marked the birth of a new political and cultural experiment in the Levant. Out of the wave of conquest arose four Crusader states, footholds of Latin Christendom in a region contested for centuries. Their existence was brief in historical terms, yet their castles, chronicles, and conflicts left behind a legacy that continues to shape the history of the Middle East.

Nimrod Castle: Guardian of the Golan Heights

In the far north of Israel, where green hills rise abruptly toward the heights of Mount Hermon, Nimrod Castle commands a breathtaking view of the Golan. The air here is fresh and cool, the mountains shrouded in mist on winter mornings, and the forests of Banias below shimmer with waterfalls and ancient oaks. Along the winding approach, the fortress seems to materialize out of legend—a line of walls, towers, and arched gateways etched against the sky. As visitors crest the ridge, stone ramparts stretch over the slopes, offering vistas that take in Lebanon, Syria, and the lush valleys of Galilee. Nature and myth entwine, giving Nimrod Castle a setting worthy of its centuries-old tale.

Ashkelon Fortress: Where the Ancient Meets the Mediterranean

Ashkelon National Park lies on Israel’s southern coastline, a place where the deep blue Mediterranean kisses golden sands and a gentle green landscape. The park’s cliffs rise over quiet beaches and waves crash against ancient stones. Palms sway above the grassy dunes and the air is tinged with salt and sunshine. On a clear day, Ashkelon gleams, a city where history and nature join to create one of Israel’s most captivating destinations. The sound of seabirds and the shimmer of the water make this region a haven for travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery.

Yehiam Fortress: Castellum Judin in Galilee’s Hills

Yehiam Fortress sweeps across a hilltop, gazing out over the rolling western Galilee. Clusters of olive trees and swathes of Mediterranean woodland cloak the slopes below, their green set against the blue reach of the sky and distant shimmer of the coastal plain. From the heights of the fortress, the view stretches from Ladder Ridge, across valleys etched deep by ancient streams, all the way to Nahariya, Akko, and even the Carmel mountains. For travelers, the landscape delivers a tranquil sense of space and time. The region is alive with the scents of pine and wildflowers, offering cool breezes during evening hours and radiant golden light as the sun rises.

Le Saforie: A Tapestry of History in the Galilee

In the heart of the Galilee, the land undulates in soft hills and valleys. Olive groves stretch across the slopes, interrupted by wildflowers and the occasional outcrop of ancient stone. The air is crisp and scented with pine, especially in the early morning when mist clings to the fields. Not far from Ma’alot-Tarshiha, a city known for its mix of communities and tranquil scenery, sits the site of Le Saforie, a place as rich in history as it is in natural beauty.

This land is alive with sunlight. Each dawn bathes the green hills in golden light, while evenings are often wrapped in a cool, violet haze. The site is tucked away from the noise of urban life, giving travelers the sense that time runs slow here. The countryside encourages lingering. Whether one is picking a path along rural trails or savoring a picnic under an old carob tree, the Galilee feels deeply rooted in both nature and memory.

Aqua Bella (Ein Hemed): Nature and Medieval Mystique Near Jerusalem

Just west of Jerusalem, the gentle hills slip into valleys strewn with streams and ancient stone. Here, where olive trees mingle with fragrant pines and the air is fresh, lies Aqua Bella (known today as Ein Hemed). The landscape shimmers with greenery even in the heat of summer. Wildflowers spill onto pathways beside the river and old stone bridges arch gracefully over bubbling waters. In the morning, birds rustle the canopy, and hikers set out toward the ruins with a sense of anticipation that grows as the soft light reaches between the branches. Nature and heritage are inseparable here. The site invites both adventure and rest with shaded lawns, tranquil meadows, and clear springs that have kept travelers content for centuries.

Chastel Béroard: A Coastal Crusader Castle near Ashdod

The southern coast of Israel is a place where the Mediterranean constantly shapes sand and stone, creating long stretches of sun-drenched beaches and gentle dunes. Just south of the lively city of Ashdod lies a stretch of coast touched by centuries of history. Here, the waves whisper secrets of the past, and on certain mornings, the golden light dances over the ancient ruins of Chastel Béroard. The castle’s remains stand at the city’s sandy edge, not far from the sights and sounds of modern life. Yet, a short walk across the beach brings you face-to-face with silent centuries, where the vibrant blue of the sea meets the weathered gray of medieval stones.

Castellum Regis (Mi’ilya): The King’s Castle and Galilee’s Living Heritage

In the Western Upper Galilee, the village of Mi’ilya climbs a sunlit hill, enveloped by olive groves, vineyards, and a tapestry of green valleys. Views stretch toward Mount Meron and Hermon in the distance, while narrow lanes weave between stone houses. The air is scented with wild herbs and the soft hum of daily life. Mi’ilya’s atmosphere is peaceful yet vibrant, shaped by centuries of history and the rhythms of the land. Few places in Israel blend natural beauty with such deep cultural roots, and atop this hill stands Castellum Regis, the King’s Castle, a Crusader fortress that continues to watch over its village even as time transforms stone and story.

The Citadel of Safed: A Sentinel Above the Galilee

High in the green hills of Israel’s northern Galilee sits the city of Safed, a place where sunlight and mysticism linger in the mountain air. The Citadel, perched atop the summit, stands as the crown of Israel’s highest city. From this vantage, endless views sweep over the soft blue waters of the Sea of Galilee and the distant peaks of Mount Meron. Olive groves line the winding roads, their silver leaves flickering in the breeze, while stone houses tumble down ancient lanes. The Citadel sits quietly at the center of it all. A silent guardian watching over a city where history, spirituality, and artistry are deeply intertwined.

Belvoir Castle (Kochav Hayarden): Sentinel Above the Jordan Valley

Perched atop the basaltic edge of Ramat Kochav, Belvoir Castle gazes out over the dramatic sweep of Israel’s northern Jordan Valley. The castle commands a view that leaves visitors breathless. On clear days, the glittering Sea of Galilee sparkles to the north, while the winding Jordan River carves its way through the green valley below. Far in the east, the hills of Gilead rise across the border in modern-day Jordan. The natural beauty here feels boundless, with wildflowers blanketing the slopes in spring and hawks riding thermal winds along the escarpments. Located inside Kochav Hayarden National Park, the fortress offers one of the most rewarding panoramas in the region. Looking out from its ramparts, you sense why medieval warriors and modern travelers have both prized this commanding perch.