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A beautiful and very well-fortified castle, on the site of a fortress built in 1031 for the emir of Aleppo, later taken over and completely rebuilt by Christian crusaders. It has two sets of castle walls, a large moat, and many interior structures, including a beautiful Gothic church. It eventually fell in 1271, thanks to a trick used by Baibars, who presented a forged letter (supposedly from Christians in Tripoli) commanding the occupants to allow them into the castle!

A beautiful and very well-fortified castle, on the site of a fortress built in 1031 for the emir of Aleppo, later taken over and completely rebuilt by Christian crusaders. It has two sets of castle walls, a large moat, and many interior structures, including a beautiful Gothic church. It eventually fell in 1271, thanks to a trick used by Baibars, who presented a forged letter (supposedly from Christians in Tripoli) commanding the occupants to allow them into the castle!

The dead cities (most of which are actually towns or villages) are beautiful Byzantine settlements west of Aleppo. Ruweiha is the most lively of the dead cities that I visited, as many of the buildings here are still occupied. In this picture, there are several ancient buildings which have been converted for farm use. Livestock wandered around the ancient structures, and children wandered up to stare or wave or say hello. I did not take many photographs here, as most of the buildings seemed to be on private property and I didn't want to intrude.

The dead cities (most of which are actually towns or villages) are beautiful Byzantine settlements west of Aleppo. Most are accessible only by private car, and they are very peaceful and quiet. Ruweiha is the most lively of the dead cities that I visited, as many of the buildings here are still occupied. Livestock wandered around the ancient structures, and children wandered up to stare or wave or say hello. I did not take many photographs here, as most of the buildings seemed to be on private property and I didn't want to intrude.

The dead cities (most of which are actually towns or villages) are beautiful Byzantine settlements west of Aleppo. Most are accessible only by private car, and they are very peaceful and quiet. Ruweiha is the most lively of the dead cities that I visited, as many of the buildings here are still occupied. Livestock wandered around the ancient structures, and children wandered up to stare or wave or say hello. I did not take many photographs here, as most of the buildings seemed to be on private property and I didn't want to intrude.