Nimrod Fortress

Nimrod Fortress

Nimrod Fortress is a medieval castle situated in 26 km (16 mi) East of Kiryat hmona in Israel. It was constructed in 1229 by Al-Aziz Uthman second son of Saladin.

 

 

Location: 26 km (16 mi) East of Kiryat hmona Map

Constructed: 1229 by Al-Aziz Uthman second son of Saladin

Tel. (04) 694 9277

Open: daily

 

Description of Nimrod Caste

Nimrod Castle was constructed in 1229 by Al- Aziz Uthman, nephew of Saladin and younger son of Al- Adil I. It was intended to defend newly conquered lands Saracen armies took from the Crusaders. Expecting counterattack from the Crusaders that later became known as the Sixth Crusade, Arab armies established several fortifications along the border of the kingdom.

 

Eventually the Crusaders were defeated and their last port city of Acre (Akko) was conquered by the Muslim armies. After European were driven from the Middle East forts became largely obsolete. Nimrod Fortress kept a small garrison for a while, but it was subsequently abandoned. The Ottoman Turkish Empire that conquered these lands in 1517 turned Nimrod Castle into a political prison for its noblemen as it was located on the outskirts of the Empire. But it didn't last too long. Eventually it was completely abandoned in the late 16th century or early 17th century. Walls and towers of the castle were badly damaged by an earthquake of the 18th century.