Qala'at Saida al-Barriyah
Saida, Lebanon

Sidon’s ‘Land Castle’ was rebuilt by St. Louis IX between 1250 and 1254 atop an earlier Fatimid fortification dating from the 10th century.  The fortress sits on the southeastern edge of the old town on a hill that overlooks the city’s bays to the north and south. It is composed of a large keep at the edge of the hill and a defensive structure facing the city. The construction reused large columns from the Roman era found throughout sites of antiquity in the city and its surroundings. It was bound to the west by the palace of Emir Fakhreddine II, and to the east by the city’s Islamic cemetery. A plan and study to renovate the citadel was conducted by Assurestauro, the Italian Association for Architecture, Art and Urban Restoration in 2016. Since the fortress is in need of structural stabilizing, and further excavation to determine the parts of it that remain underground, its interior is mostly off-limits to visitors.  

Location
Saida, Lebanon
Images & Videos
Associated Names
Events
10th Century Fatimid Structure
British Royal Marines Bombardment
Style Periods
1096-1291
1250-1517
Variant Names
Qala al-Mou'izz
Formerly known as
Qala al Mou'izz
Variant
Building Usages
military