#883 Krak de Chevaliers, Syria

Near the border between Lebanon and Syria in the historic hills controlled by so many different peoples over the millenia, lies the Krak de Chevaliers, one of the most famous crusader castles. Castles are one of my favorite relics of history -- they are living history, moving out of a story book and into an imaginable reality. The ramparts, the arches, the tunnels, the turrets and towers -- all of them can bring history to life, although I think my favorite architectural feature are the narrow windows created to make it as difficult as possible to throw or shoot something inside (but still wide enough for an arrow to be shot out). The layers of inhabitants from the underground servants, to the kitchens, and the barracks for soliders -- all are fascinating.

Krak de Chevaliers (a name coined as recently as the 19th Century when romanticism caused a revival in interest in the crusader ruins) has over time been the residence of Kurds, the County of Tripoli (which lay just north of the Kingdom of Jerusalem), the Knights Hospitalier, and was conquered by the Mamluk Sultan Baibars after a 36 day seige. It watches over the strategic Homs gap, and is only one of a series of castles that helped Christian crusaders keep control of the Holy Land.

As one of the most important preserved medieval castles in existence, it holds many fascinations including a large chapel, hall of the knights, inner and outer wards, many walls including decorative frescoes. If you're lucky you'll find your way into a dark cavern down a seemingly never-ending stairwell -- bring a torch!

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak_des_Chevaliers 

#952 Palmyra (Tadmor), Syria

One of the biggest, most majestic, and well preserved cities of the ancient Romans is a long way from Rome in the deserts of Syria, on the way to Iraq.

Called Tadmor (its ancient Semitic name) by the locals, it is an impressive site, not only in its completeness. The colonnades, ruins, mosaics, carvings, and temples are superb.

Dating back to around the 2nd millenium AD, but with the majority of the ruins being from the 2nd century AD, its location was incomparable on the traveller's path, with caravans stopping here en route between Mesopotamia, Arabia and Egypt.

A scandalous story of murder and betrayal is told about Odainat (commander of the Roman forces) and his wife Zenobia. After his assassination (perhaps at her hands) she took control of the entire region in the name of her son, declaring him emperor, with a strong if doomed show of power, which ultimately helped contribute to Palmyra's downfall.

There are many important buildings: the Temple of Bel, the Nabo Temple, Diocletian's Baths, a theatre, the much-photographed Tetrapylon (four sets of standing columns, but sadly mostly made of concrete), the Agora courtyard, the Temple of Baan Shamin, and of course the impressive colonnaded row.

The Valley of the Tombs is separate from the main site. The view from the Qala'at ibn Maan (the Arab castle) on the top of the hill is incredible, particularly at sunset!

Source: Lonely Planet Syria and Lebanon 2nd Edition