Crusader Castle Arqa (عرقا)

The origins of Arqa date back a long way, with mentions in Egyptian Amarna letters around 1350 BC and Assyrian documents. In Roman times, the site was known as Caesarea in Lebanon. In the Middle Ages, Arqa developed into a strategically important fortress, securing control over the trade route between Tartus and Tripoli. In 1099, a siege by the army of the First Crusade failed. Later, in March/April 1109, Arqa fell to William-Jordan of Cerdanya after a three-week siege and became part of the County of Tripoli. The Crusaders henceforth called the fortress Archas. Although it withstood further sieges in 1167 and 1171, the fortress was finally conquered by the Mamluks under Sultan Baibars I around 1266.

The fortress of Arqa is located in the Akkar District in the North Lebanon region of Lebanon. It stands at an elevation of approximately 127 meters above sea level.

Today, the ruins of the Crusader castle of Arqa are accessible to visitors and can be explored. They offer an impressive view of the remains of a once powerful fortress.

• Krak des Chevaliers Castle (Castle), approx. 33.9 km away
• Ancient City of Amrit (عمریت)-Necropolis (Ancient Buildings), approx. 35.6 km away
• Ancient City of Amrit (عمریت)-Temple (Ancient Buildings), approx. 36.5 km away
• Ancient City of Amrit (عمریت)-Stadium (Ancient Buildings), approx. 36.6 km away