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
The Nimrod Fortress, also known as Qal’at al-Subeiba ("Castle of the Large Cliff") or Qal’at Namrud in Arabic and Mivtzar Nimrod in Hebrew, is a monumental medieval fortress located in the northern Golan Heights, Israel, on the southern slopes of Mount Hermon. Perched at approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet) above sea level, it is the largest surviving castle from the Middle Ages in Israel, measuring 420 meters in length and 150 meters in width. Built primarily by the Ayyubids in 1228–1230 CE and expanded by the Mamluks, the fortress was strategically positioned to guard the road from Tyre and the Hula Valley to Damascus, a critical trade and military route. Named after the biblical figure Nimrod, a mighty hunter and king (Genesis 10:8–9), by 19th-century Druze settlers, the fortress offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. Managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority as Nimrod Fortress National Park, it is a premier destination for exploring medieval history and the Golan’s dramatic landscapes.
Nimrod Fortress is situated on a ridge at the base of Mount Hermon,
Israel’s highest peak (2,814 meters), in the northern Golan Heights,
overlooking the Hula Valley, the Upper Galilee, and parts of southern
Lebanon and Syria. Its elevated position, surrounded by steep cliffs and
valleys, made it nearly impregnable, with commanding views of the
surrounding region.
Topography:
The fortress spans a long,
narrow ridge between Wadi Nakeb to the south and Wadi Govta to the
north, covering 33 dunams (3.3 hectares) within a 195-dunam (49-acre)
national park. Its elongated shape (420 m x 150 m) follows the ridge’s
contours, maximizing defensive potential.
The site overlooks the
Banias (Caesarea Philippi) valley, 6 kilometers below, and the road
linking the Mediterranean coast (Tyre) to Damascus via the Hula Valley.
The deep valley separating Mount Hermon from the Golan Heights enhances
its strategic dominance.
A large irrigation pool (26 x 54 meters, 5
meters deep), accessible by a trail from the fortress or main road, lies
hidden in the landscape, historically used for watering herds and crops.
Climate and Environment:
The Golan Heights has a Mediterranean
climate with cold, wet winters (5–10°C, with snow on Mount Hermon) and
hot, dry summers (25–35°C). The fortress’s elevation makes it cooler and
windier than lower areas, requiring warm clothing even in spring or
autumn.
The surrounding landscape features oak groves, unique flora
(e.g., wildflowers in spring), and fauna, including rock hyrax, rare
salamanders in the cisterns, and migratory birds. The nearby Banias
Nature Reserve, with its rivers and waterfalls, adds lush greenery to
the rugged terrain.
Geopolitical Context:
The Golan Heights,
including Nimrod Fortress, has been under Israeli control since the 1967
Six-Day War, though the international community considers it Syrian
territory. The fortress’s proximity to the Lebanese and Syrian borders
(visible from its towers) underscores its historical and modern
strategic significance.
Nimrod Fortress was a key stronghold during the Crusader period,
reflecting the intense military and political struggles between Muslim
and Christian forces in the 12th–13th centuries. Its history spans
Hellenistic origins, Ayyubid and Mamluk construction, and later Ottoman
and modern uses.
Early History and Origins:
Archaeological
evidence suggests a possible Hellenistic fort (3rd–2nd century BCE) at
the site, based on “massive masonry” styles, though no definitive
structures remain.
The fortress’s medieval history begins with the
Crusaders, who controlled Banias from 1129–1164 CE and may have
fortified the ridge to protect the road to Damascus. However,
excavations confirm that the existing fortress was primarily an Ayyubid
creation, not a Crusader one, dispelling earlier assumptions.
Ayyubid Construction (1228–1230 CE):
The fortress was built by
Al-Aziz Uthman, nephew of Saladin and son of al-Adil I, in 1228–1230 CE
to preempt an attack on Damascus during the Sixth Crusade, led by
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor. Its rapid construction (completed in
three years) reflects the urgency of the threat.
Named Qal’at
al-Subeiba (“Castle of the Large Cliff”), it was designed to block
Crusader advances from Acre along the Tyre–Damascus road. The initial
structure, centered on the Donjon (Keep), was a free-standing tower (65
x 45 meters) surrounded by a moat, serving as an inner fortress.
By
1230, the fortress was expanded to encompass the entire ridge, with
additional walls and towers. Inscriptions from Al-Aziz Uthman’s reign,
found on the gate tower, confirm the construction timeline.
Crusader and Mamluk Periods:
In 1253, Louis IX of France led a
Crusader attack on the fortress but failed to capture it, highlighting
its defensive strength.
In 1260, the Mongols briefly seized the
fortress, dismantling some defenses, and left it under the control of
Al-Aziz Uthman’s son. After the Mamluk victory over the Mongols at the
Battle of Ain Jalut (1260), Sultan Baibars took control, granting the
fortress to his second-in-command, Bilik.
Baibars and Bilik
significantly expanded the fortress (1260–1277), adding larger towers, a
monumental gate, and inscriptions. A 1275 inscription by Bilik glorifies
Baibars, whose lion relief (his heraldic symbol) adorns the western
gate. Excavations in 1993–1998 uncovered these features, revealing
Mamluk architectural prowess.
The Muslim conquest of Acre in 1291
ended Crusader rule in the Holy Land, rendering Nimrod Fortress
strategically obsolete. It fell into disrepair, though its walls and
towers remained largely intact.
Ottoman and Modern Periods:
Under Ottoman rule (1517–1917), the fortress was repurposed as a luxury
prison for exiled nobles. By the late 16th century, it was abandoned,
used only by shepherds for shelter.
An earthquake in 1759 caused
significant damage, leaving the fortress in ruins.
In the 19th
century, Druze settlers fleeing conflict in Lebanon and Syria named the
site Qal’at Namrud, associating it with the biblical Nimrod, a legendary
hunter and king linked to the Tower of Babel. An Arab legend claims
Nimrod built the fortress and was imprisoned there for his vanity after
attempting to dip his hand in the Banias River from the summit.
During the French Mandate (1920–1946), the fortress was used to suppress
local revolts, with a cannon breach in the western wall creating the
modern entrance. In the 1967 Six-Day War, Syrian forces used it as an
artillery observation post, causing minor damage.
Since 1967, Israel
has restored and developed the site as a national park, with excavations
by the Israel Antiquities Authority (e.g., 1993–1994, 1998) uncovering
the gate tower, Baibars’ inscriptions, and Mamluk additions.
Nimrod Fortress is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture,
characterized by massive stone construction, strategic design, and
intricate details. Built with large, carefully squared stones, it
features a blend of Ayyubid and Mamluk styles, with some Crusader
influences from earlier fortifications.
Overall Structure:
The
fortress is 420 meters long and 60–150 meters wide, with walls
punctuated by rectangular and semi-circular towers, many roofed with
pointed cross-arches. Its elongated layout follows the ridge, with the
eastern Donjon as the highest point.
A deep moat, hewn into the
bedrock, protects the western entrance and the Donjon, originally
accessed by drawbridges. The fortress’s walls, particularly on the
vulnerable southern side, are reinforced with extra towers.
Key
Features:
Western Gate and Tower: The main entrance, built by Al-Aziz
Uthman in 1230 and restored by Baibars in 1275, features massive stones
(some weighing tons) and a 29 x 23-meter tower standing 30 meters high.
A double-paneled door with wooden beams and a portcullis (iron net)
groove secured the gate. The Baibars Inscription and lion relief are
prominent here.
Secret Passage: A 27-meter-long stepped passage from
the gate tower to the northwest tower allowed defenders to launch
surprise attacks or escape during sieges. Visitors can explore this
passage, which opens near the entrance.
Donjon (Keep): The
easternmost structure (65 x 45 meters), built in 1227–1228, served as
the commander’s residence and final defensive position. Surrounded by
rectangular towers and a moat, it offers panoramic views of Mount
Hermon, the Golan, and the Hula Valley. Luxurious halls and water pools
suggest its use by governors.
Large Reservoir: An indoor, arched
reservoir fed by rainwater, located near the western section, ensured
water supply during sieges. A public fountain adjacent to it is still
visible. Rare salamanders inhabit the cisterns.
Beautiful Tower: A
seven-sided tower in the southern wall, noted for its unique design and
craftsmanship, is a highlight of Mamluk additions.
Loopholes (Arrow
Slits): Narrow on the outside and wide inside, these windows allowed
archers to fire safely at attackers. They are abundant along the walls
and towers.
Northern Tower: Built by Baibars, it overlooks Wadi Govta
and offers views of Mount Hermon and Mount Dov. It served as a lookout
toward the Lebanese border.
Southwest and Western Towers: These
massive structures, added by the Mamluks, reinforced the southern
defenses. The Southwest Tower features four stories and intricate
arches.
Prison Tower: Located in the western section, this tower
likely served as a detention area during Ottoman use.
Construction Techniques:
The fortress uses large, well-trimmed
stones, with Mamluk additions featuring finer masonry. Cross-arched
roofs in towers and halls reflect Islamic architectural styles.
Water
cisterns, hewn into the rock and plastered, were accessed via protected
staircases, ensuring siege resilience.
Inscriptions and reliefs, such
as Baibars’ lion and Arabic texts, highlight Mamluk pride in their
construction.
Nimrod Fortress holds cultural and religious importance tied to its
biblical namesake, medieval history, and modern context.
Biblical
and Legendary Associations:
The fortress is named after Nimrod, a
biblical figure described as a mighty hunter and king of Shinar (Genesis
10:8–9), great-grandson of Noah. Extra-biblical traditions link him to
the Tower of Babel, portraying him as a rebel against God. The Druze,
settling in the 19th century, associated the fortress with Nimrod,
possibly due to its imposing presence.
An Arab legend claims Nimrod
built the fortress and was imprisoned there for attempting to dip his
hand in the Banias River, an act of vanity. Another tale suggests his
head, replaced with gold to evade a mosquito, was buried in the Hula
Valley.
Some traditions speculate the Hula Valley was the site of the
Tower of Babel, adding to the region’s mythical aura.
Medieval
Cultural Role:
The fortress was a symbol of Ayyubid and Mamluk power,
with inscriptions and Baibars’ lion relief celebrating Muslim victories
over Crusaders and Mongols. It served as a governor’s residence,
reflecting elite status.
Its role in defending Banias, a site of
religious significance (Caesarea Philippi, where Peter declared Jesus
the Messiah in Mark 8:27–30), tied it to Christian and Muslim
narratives.
Modern Cultural Significance:
As a national park,
Nimrod Fortress is a testament to Israel’s commitment to preserving
historical sites. Its restoration highlights the Golan’s medieval
heritage, attracting diverse visitors, including Jews, Christians,
Druze, and international tourists.
The fortress has been featured in
media, such as the Israeli film Beaufort (2007), which used it as a
stand-in for the Lebanese Beaufort Castle.
Its proximity to Druze
villages (e.g., Majdal Shams) and the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve ties
it to the region’s multicultural fabric.
Nimrod Fortress National Park, managed by the Israel Nature and Parks
Authority, offers a well-organized experience for exploring the
fortress’s history and scenery.
Key Attractions:
Marked Route:
A 2–3-hour loop trail, guided by green arrows and 13 numbered signs,
covers key sites: Northwest Tower, Baibars Inscription, Western Tower,
Southwest Tower, Large Reservoir, Beautiful Tower, Moat, Donjon (Keep),
Prison Tower, Secret Passage, and Northern Tower. A brochure with a map
and history is available at the ticket office.
Views: The Donjon and
Northern Tower offer breathtaking vistas of Mount Hermon, the Hula
Valley, the Golan Heights, and Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle. Sunsets are
particularly stunning.
Architectural Highlights: The Baibars
Inscription, lion relief, secret passage, and vaulted chambers are
visitor favorites. The reservoir and loopholes showcase medieval
engineering.
Wildlife and Nature: Salamanders in the cisterns, rock
hyrax on the walls, and oak groves around the fortress add a natural
dimension.
Visitor Logistics:
Access:
By Car: From Tel Aviv
(3 hours), take Highway 6 north, then Route 99 east from Kiryat Shmona,
exiting onto Route 989 to the park (20 minutes from Kiryat Shmona).
Enter “Nimrod Fortress National Park” into Waze or Google Maps. A large
parking lot is available near the entrance.
Public Transport: Take a
bus from Tel Aviv or Haifa to Kiryat Shmona, then a taxi or infrequent
bus to the park (check Moovit for schedules). The nearest stop is near
the Egoz Memorial.
Hours:
Summer (April–September):
Sunday–Thursday and Saturday, 8 AM–5 PM; Friday and holiday eves, 8 AM–4
PM.
Winter (October–March): Sunday–Thursday and Saturday, 8 AM–4 PM;
Friday and holiday eves, 8 AM–3 PM.
Entrance closes 1 hour before
closing. Reservations are recommended via the Israel Nature and Parks
Authority website due to capacity limits.
Fees: Adults: 24 NIS;
children: 10 NIS; students: 20 NIS. A combo ticket with Banias Nature
Reserve costs 38 NIS (adults). National Parks annual pass holders enter
free.
Facilities: A ticket booth, snack hut (drinks and snacks), and
restrooms are at the entrance. There is no picnic area, but shaded spots
are available. The fortress has steep steps and uneven surfaces, making
it challenging for small children or those with mobility issues.
Comfortable shoes, water, hats, and warm clothing are recommended.
Guided Tours: Free ranger-led tours (Hebrew/English) are available
(check schedules). Private guides or audio guides enhance the
experience. Tours often combine Nimrod with Banias, Tel Dan, or Hermon
Stream Nature Reserves.
Nearby Attractions:
Banias Nature
Reserve (6 km): Waterfalls, rivers, and the ancient city of Caesarea
Philippi. A 2-km trail connects the fortress to Banias.
Hermon Stream
Nature Reserve: Greco-Roman temple ruins and hiking trails.
Tel Dan
Nature Reserve: Biblical site with springs and forests.
Mount Hermon
Ski Resort (20 km): Winter skiing and summer hiking.
Majdal Shams: A
Druze village with local cuisine and cultural experiences.
Nimrod Fortress is well-preserved and actively maintained, but it
faces challenges:
Preservation: The 1759 earthquake and centuries
of neglect left parts of the fortress in ruins. Ongoing excavations and
restoration (e.g., 1993–1998) protect the site, but weathering and
tourism wear require constant care.
Geopolitical Sensitivity: The
Golan Heights’ disputed status (Israeli-controlled, internationally
recognized as Syrian) adds complexity. The fortress’s proximity to
Lebanon and Syria raises security concerns, though it is considered safe
for visitors.
Accessibility: The remote location and limited public
transport make it less accessible than other Israeli sites. The
fortress’s steep terrain and steps challenge some visitors.
Cultural
Narratives: Balancing the fortress’s Muslim, Crusader, and biblical
associations requires careful interpretation to respect diverse
perspectives, especially for Druze and Arab visitors.