Beaufort Castle: A Crusader Fortress with a Storied Past

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Explore the historic Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon, a Crusader fortress with panoramic views and a rich, strategic 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 location for various armies throughout history.

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 can be uneven.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

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Getting There

Car

From Nabatiyeh, follow the road towards upper Nabatiyeh, which leads to Arnoun. Beaufort Castle is approximately 2 km from Arnoun. Look for signs directing you to the castle. The drive from Beirut takes approximately 1.5 hours via the Beirut-Saida Highway (M1) to Sidon, then local roads south. Ensure you have cash for a potential small parking fee.
Public Transport

Take a bus or shared taxi from Beirut to Sidon. From Sidon, take a taxi or arrange local transport to Beaufort Castle. Alternatively, from Marjayoun, take a shared taxi or van towards Arnoun. Inform the driver you are going to Beaufort Castle. In Arnoun, walk the last 1 km to the castle or hire a local taxi. Confirm the taxi fare before starting the ride.

Discover more about Beaufort Castle

Beaufort Castle, or Qala'at al-Shaqif (Castle of the High Rock), is a historic Crusader fortress in Southern Lebanon, approximately 1 kilometer southeast of Arnoun. Its strategic position on a 700-meter-high hilltop overlooking the Litani River and Northern Palestine has made it a focal point in numerous conflicts. Originally, a fortification existed on the site before being captured by Fulk, the King of Jerusalem, in 1139, with the construction of the Crusader castle beginning soon after. Saladin captured Beaufort in 1190, but Crusaders retook it 60 years later. In 1268, Sultan Baibars finally seized the castle for Islamic forces. The castle later came under the control of the Mamluks. In the 17th century, Fakhr-al-Din II, the Emir of Lebanon, took over the castle due to its strategic importance but was defeated by the Ottomans, who destroyed the upper portions of the castle. The Galilee earthquake of 1837 caused further damage. In modern times, the castle's strategic location continued to be significant. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) held the castle during the Lebanese Civil War, leading to numerous attacks by Israeli forces. The castle was captured by Israeli forces in 1982 during the Lebanon War and remained under their control until 2000. Today, Beaufort Castle stands as a testament to Lebanon's tumultuous history and is a popular destination for tourists interested in history and scenic views.