Fortress of Niha
I challenged my fear of heights for this one
One of the most beautiful places in Lebanon, in my opinion. The crusader citadel no longer exists, due to earthquakes, but the path to get there is magical and leaves you wondering!
Carved into the rock of a cliff overlooking the Bisri Valley in Lebanon, the Fortress of Niha overlooks the road between Sidon and the Beqaa valley. It was first mentioned in 975 AD and then again in 1133. Control over the fortress alternated between the Crusaders and local Muslims.
It is alleged that the Emir Fakhr-al-Din II also found refuge there before he was executed by the Pasha of Damascus in 1635.
Shaped like a cave over a hundred meters deep, the fortress features chambers and rooms which were excavated in order to shelter soldiers and as depots for domestic work.
When you visit the fortress, look out for hyraxes. They are easily afraid, and found usually sun tanning on the cliff rocks.