Tripoli Citadel: A Crusader Fortress with Layers of History

The Tripoli Citadel, or Qala'at Sanjil, stands as a testament to the city's long and varied history. Founded in 636 CE by the Arab commander Sufyan ben Mujib AlAzdi, it has been modified and rebuilt by various rulers over the centuries. Raymond de Saint-Gilles, Count of Toulouse, began constructing the fortress in the 12th century during the Crusader era, naming it the Castle of Mount Pilgrim. Very little of the original Crusader structure remains today. The Mamluks seized and burned the castle, later restoring it in the 14th century. The Ottomans, under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, also undertook significant restoration work in the 16th century. The citadel comprises four floors, stretching 130 meters in length and 70 meters in width. It features an old hammam, prayer houses, a jail, stables, commander's halls, and more than 100 rooms. Visitors can explore the well-preserved walls, towers, gates and halls, reflecting different historical periods. The site also includes a mosque and several courtyards. The towers, reaching 15-20 meters high, incorporate cannon windows, and the walls are approximately two meters thick. The western facade offers views of Tripoli, Al Mina, the Mediterranean Sea, and routes to Beirut and Homs.