About
Masyaf is a historic town in the hills of western Syria, best known for its imposing 12th-century castle. The fortress was once the stronghold of the Assassins, the mysterious sect whose legend has long fascinated visitors, and the castle remains the reason most travellers make the journey.
What to see
- The castle, a well-preserved fortress with chambers you can walk through
- Views over the surrounding valleys, especially rewarding from the walls
- Medieval Islamic military architecture, a clear window into how such strongholds were built and defended
The visit
Exploring the castle is the heart of a stop in Masyaf. Its rooms and passages give a sense of daily life and defence in the medieval period, and the story of the Nizari Ismailis, the sect associated with the castle, adds a layer of history to the stones. Because the town sits in the hills, the walk up to the fortress and the vistas that open around it are part of the experience, not just the destination.
Masyaf suits travellers who enjoy historic sites and quieter, out-of-the-way places. Plan the visit around the castle, and allow time to take in the landscape around it.