Citadel of Damascus
Damascus, Syria
Open to visitors
The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.
Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.
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The Citadel of Damascus is a medieval fortified palace in Syria's capital, originally founded in 1076 by the Turkman warlord Atsiz bin Uvak and completed by the Seljuq ruler Tutush I. Built of limestone, the citadel was substantially modified by successive Burid and Zengid dynasties before being captured by Saladin in 1174, who made it his residence and restructured its defenses. Between 1203 and 1216, Saladin's brother Al-Adil completely rebuilt the fortress in response to advances in siege warfare, particularly the development of the counterweight trebuchet. The Mongols briefly dismantled portions following their 1260 conquest, but Mamluk forces retook the citadel and maintained control until the Ottoman conquest of 1516, after which it served as barracks for Janissaries. The structure began declining in the nineteenth century and saw its final military use in 1925 during the French response to the Great Syrian Revolt. The Citadel is part of the Ancient City of Damascus, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- Built
- Type
- castle
- Materials
- limestone
- Place
- Damascus, Syria
This building on
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