Beaufort Castle, Marjayoun Travel Guide

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Explore Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon: a historic Crusader fortress with panoramic views and a rich, storied past.

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Beaufort Castle

Beaufort Castle, also known as Qala'at al-Shaqif, is a Crusader fortress in Southern Lebanon near the village of Arnoun. Perched atop a high hill, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and has been a strategic site for various armies throughout history. The castle's ruins tell a tale of Crusader battles, Arab conquests, and modern conflicts.

A brief summary to Beaufort Castle

8GFJ+MV9, Arnoun, LB

Monday 8 am-7:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-7:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-7:30 pm
Friday 8 am-7:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-7:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-7:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Beaufort Castle.

Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain within the castle is uneven.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

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Explore Beaufort Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Beaufort Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Nabatiyeh, follow the road towards upper Nabatiyeh, which leads to Arnoun. Beaufort Castle is approximately 2 kilometers from Arnoun. Look for signs indicating the castle. The drive from Nabatiyeh to Arnoun takes about 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

From Beirut, take a bus or shared taxi to Sidon. From Sidon, take another taxi or arrange local transport to Beaufort Castle. Alternatively, take a shared taxi from Hasbaya to Arnoun. From Arnoun, you can walk to the castle (approximately 30 minutes uphill) or take a local taxi.

Discover more about Beaufort Castle

Beaufort Castle, or Qala'at al-Shaqif (Castle of the High Rock), is a historic Crusader fortress located in southern Lebanon, approximately 1 kilometer southeast of Arnoun. Its strategic position on a 700-meter-high hilltop provides commanding views of the Litani River valley, southern Lebanon, and northern Palestine.Originally fortified before the Crusader era, Beaufort Castle was captured by Fulk, the King of Jerusalem, in 1139, and construction of the Crusader castle began soon after. Over the centuries, control of the castle shifted between Crusader, Arab, and Mamluk forces. Saladin captured it in 1190, but the Crusaders retook it 60 years later. In 1268, Sultan Baibars finally seized the castle for the Islamic forces.In more recent history, Beaufort Castle's strategic location made it a focal point during the Lebanese Civil War and the Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon. The castle was heavily damaged during the 1982 Lebanon War and served as an Israeli forward operating base until 2000. Today, Beaufort Castle stands as a testament to Lebanon's tumultuous past, offering visitors a glimpse into its medieval architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the castle's ruins, including the remains of walls, towers, and gates.