Marqab Castle

Marqab is the dark twin of the coast's castles: built of black basalt on a volcanic hill above Baniyas, it was the great northern stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller, with a huge round keep, a Gothic chapel with wall paintings, and concentric walls looking down on the Mediterranean. Its silhouette against the sea is one of the images of the Syrian coast. The chapel's painted Last Supper is a rare survival of crusader art in place. The Hospitallers held the castle for over a century and its fall in 1285 marked the end of their power on this coast.

What you actually see

• The black walls - basalt fortification on a coastal hill.
• The round keep - the Hospitaller donjon at the strong point.
• The chapel - Gothic vaults with surviving wall paintings.
• The sea view - the Mediterranean below the ramparts.

When to go

April to June and September to November are mild and clear. Summer haze softens the sea view. Winter storms are dramatic from the walls.

Honest expectations

Parts of the castle are unrestored and unfenced. Opening and access arrangements vary. The paintings are fragile and poorly lit.

Nearby

Baniyas is below, and Tartus is south.