Krak des Chevaliers

The first position on the list of the most beautiful castles in the world is Krak des Chevaliers. Krak des Chevaliers, also known as Hisn al-Akrad in Arabic, is a fortress in Syria that was constructed for the Emir of Aleppo in 1031 AD. During the 12th and 13th centuries, it served as the headquarters of the renowned Crusader Knights Hospitalier. Krak des Chevaliers is a breathtaking example of medieval military architecture and is arguably the best maintained Crusader fortress still standing today. As a result, it was named a World Heritage site in 2006.

The castle, which is situated atop a 650-meter-high natural citadel halfway between Tartus and Tripoli, was first built in 1031 on the site of an older fort by the Emir of Aleppo. However, Raymond II of Tripoli granted the fortress to the Jerusalem-based Order of the Knights Hospitaller in 1144 after the Emir was vanquished.

The well-preserved castle is now surrounded by the al-Husn town, which welcomes visitors. Krak des Chevaliers offers a particularly complete picture of Crusader life to people interested in the Crusades because of its location close to the Lebanon border. Free of charge, explore the enormous castle while the wind buffets you high on the hill.

Be warned that given the recent civil war, you should check your government's travel recommendations before visiting Syria. Bullet holes and Russian graffiti left on the medieval fortress by Chechen rebels are now part of the castle's ruins as a reminder of the most recent conflict.

Location: At Tallah, Homs, Syria