Mahalibeh Castle

Syria, Syria

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Mahalibeh Castle, also known as Balatanos, is an 11th-century fortress located near Latakia in Syria, built by the Bani Alahmar tribe.

It has a rich history involving many powers, including Byzantines who occupied it in 1031, Crusaders who took it in 1118, and Saladin’s forces who recaptured it in 1188. The castle was damaged in a 1408 earthquake and later used by Ottoman authorities for grain storage during the 17th century. By the 18th century, the surrounding area was dominated by the Alawite Muhalaba tribe, which gave the castle its current name.

The ruins show massive outer walls, cisterns, underground rooms, arches, and towers, with access through a road connecting Qardaha and Jawbat Burghal. Although substantially damaged, restoration efforts were underway as of 2018, preserving its significance as a historic defensive stronghold in the region.