Fortress Saint Gilles
Amir Fakhreddine St., Tripoli, Lebanon
Description:
Fortress Saint Gilles is a famous fortress and citadel in the city of Tripoli. It is named after Raymond de Saint Gilles, Count of Toulouse and Crusader commander, who began its construction on a hilltop in Tripoli in 1103 in order to withstand the siege of the city.
The fortress of Saint-Gil is located near the Al-Tahham Mosque, southeast of Tripoli. The fortress is a powerful structure, whose length is 140 meters and width is 70 meters. Initially, on the site of the modern structure stood an ancient citadel of the XII century. It was destroyed by fire in 1289, but it was restored in 1307, thanks to the initiative of Emir Essendemir Kurgi. In the XIX century, the fortress underwent another overhaul, with the assistance of Mustafa Agha Barbara. It is a combination of several architectural styles and features that give an idea of its historical development.
From the fortress of Saint-Gilles offers a magical view of the valley, the city of Tripoli and the coast.