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Beaufort Castle, Arnoun

4.7
#23 of 60 in Historic Sites in Lebanon
Castle Historic Site
Beaufort or Belfort (Shaqif Arnun or Qala'at al-Shaqif in Arabic) is a Crusader fortress in Nabatieh Governorate, Southern Lebanon, about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) to the south-south-east of the village of Arnoun. There was a fortification on the site before it was captured by Fulk, King of Jerusalem, in 1139 and construction of the Crusader castle probably began soon after. Saladin captured Beaufort in 1190, and 60 years returned to Crusader control. In 1268 Sultan Baibars captured the castle.

The castle was named "bel fort" or "beau fort" (French for "beautiful fortress") by the Crusaders who occupied the castle in the 12th century. Its Arabic name Qala'at al-Shaqif means Castle of the High Rock (shqif is the Aramaic word for "high rock"). Beaufort provides one of the few cases where a medieval castle proved of military value and utility also in modern warfare, as its late 20th-century history shows.
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Tours to Beaufort Castle
The Dark Tour, The Reality of the Lebanese-Israeli Conflict BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $190
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
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Beaufort Castle Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
26 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By W0rldTravelerZ
    It's a beautiful castle, feels like at the top of the world. History lovers will have a blast there. It overlooks huge number of surrounding villages down to the sea. You will enjoy a rich walk. Some ...  more »
  • By adoni5
    It is amazing to witness an old castle built on the top of high mountain 800 years ago. I thought it would've been an hour visit but we spent three hours enjoying the history and geography together. H...  more »
  • By Voyager828681
    A beautiful and historic castle in all directions gives it a special beauty and distinguishes it from the rest of the archaeological sites we spent a good time
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Google
  • By Ahmed Berlin
    Amazing castle with a breathtaking view over south lebanon. You can see as far as the golan heights! It's a must see!
  • By MOHAMMAD chehab
    Amazing historical castle, like a step back in time , splendid views. Worth a visit if in Lebanon .
  • By Pia Abboud
    Wonderful monument. Unfortunately there is not enough explanation about it. They build a new museum there but i think they still need to hire local guides. Therems a lot to be done for the touriam management.
  • By hadi atallah
    Awesome,but needs signage improvement
  • By Nasser Ghandour
    Nice place to visit, amazing location، only with there is a better tourist guide
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Plans to Beaufort Castle by other users

1 day in Nabatieh Governorate BY A USER FROM LEBANON September, popular sights PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 29 days in Lebanon BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, kids, popular sights PREFERENCES: June, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 18 days in Lebanon BY A USER FROM LEBANON August, popular sights PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 60 days in Lebanon BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA June, popular sights PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 31 days in Beirut BY A USER FROM EGYPT August, popular sights PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 50 days in Lebanon & Lebanon BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA September, popular sights PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 26 days in Lebanon BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA September, teens, kids, popular sights PREFERENCES: September, teens, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 30 days in Beirut BY A USER FROM THAILAND September, popular sights PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 1 day in Nabatieh Governorate BY A USER FROM LEBANON August, popular sights PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 33 days in Beirut & Helsinki BY A USER FROM FINLAND September, popular sights PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 15 days in Lebanon BY A USER FROM INDIA September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 2 days in Iqlim al Tuffah BY A USER FROM LEBANON August, popular sights PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium
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