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Sidon Sea Castle: A Crusader Fortress by the Sea

Explore the historic Sidon Sea Castle, a medieval fortress with stunning sea views and a rich Crusader history.

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The Sidon Sea Castle, constructed by Crusaders in the 13th century, stands as a prominent historical landmark in Sidon, Lebanon. Located on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, this fortress offers a glimpse into the region's rich and tumultuous past.

A brief summary to Sidon Sea Castle

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven stone surfaces.
  • Bring Lebanese pounds for the entrance fee, as credit card facilities may not always be available.
  • Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Combine your visit with a meal at one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the castle.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Sidon Sea Castle is located off the coast of Sidon and is accessible via an 80-meter causeway. From most points in central Sidon, the castle is easily reachable on foot. From the city center or the bus station, walk towards the Mediterranean coast. Follow the main road along the harbor, and you'll see signs pointing towards the Sea Castle. The walk from the main souks takes approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no costs involved in walking to the entrance of the castle.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Sidon by bus from Beirut or other cities, the bus will drop you off in a central area, north of the city center. From there, the Sea Castle is a walkable distance. Follow the main road towards the coast. Alternatively, you can take a 'service' taxi for a short ride to the castle entrance. Service taxis are shared taxis that follow fixed routes and cost around 2,000-5,000 LBP per person. Ensure the driver knows your destination before getting in.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sidon. A taxi ride from the outskirts of the city to the Sea Castle should cost approximately 5,000-10,000 LBP, but it's always best to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Ask for 'Qalaat al-Bahr'. There are no additional fees or tolls on the direct route to the castle.

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Discover more about Sidon Sea Castle

The Sidon Sea Castle, also known as Qalaat al-Bahr (Sea Castle), is a historic fortress with origins tracing back to the Crusader period in the 13th century. Built by the Crusaders in 1228 AD on a small island about 80 meters from the mainland, it was initially known as Toron Castle. The castle's strategic location was chosen to guard the city of Sidon and its bustling port. Over the centuries, the castle has been captured, destroyed, and renovated by various powers, including the Mamluks and Ottomans. In 1260, the Mamluk Sultan Baibars captured Sidon and the castle from the Crusaders, renaming it Qalaat al-Bahr. The Mamluks made significant modifications, using the castle for military and administrative purposes. The castle was partially destroyed by the Mamluks during their campaign against the Crusader states in the 13th century. Later, in the 17th century, Emir Fakhreddine II restored the castle, but it suffered great damage. Today, the Sidon Sea Castle stands as an iconic symbol of Sidon's history and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, vaulted rooms, and rampart walls, which offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city. The castle also features a small, domed Ottoman-era mosque. The castle is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The island on which the castle is built may have been the site of the Phoenician King's palace and other monuments destroyed by earthquakes.

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