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Smar Jbeil Citadel

alexander the great abandoned castle

My introduction to Smar Jbeil came during our initial visit to Batroun. While scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon some captivating videos of the Smar Jbeil citadel and couldn't help but wonder why it had eluded my knowledge until then.

The images portrayed a colossal structure, prompting me to question why this historical gem had remained obscure in Lebanon's tourism landscape.

To this day, I still lack a definitive answer.

Similar to many hidden gems in Lebanon, Smar Jbeil is a place that cries out for recognition. Our journey to the citadel was a spellbinding adventure, unveiling the enthralling history of an Abandoned Castle. Originally raised by the Phoenicians, this ancient fortress possesses a pivotal role in the annals of history.

Subsequently, it fell under the dominion of the Persian Empire before passing into the hands of Alexander the Great.

In my vlog, we traverse the castle's time-worn stones, immersing ourselves in its rich history. The remnants of a tower, victim to a colossal earthquake in 1630, bear silent witness to the passage of centuries.