Which crusader fortress in Syria is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as Crac des Chevaliers?

The crusader fortress known as Crac des Chevaliers is Krak des Chevaliers. The name refers to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world, located near al-Husn in western Syria, roughly 40 kilometres west of Homs.

The site was first fortified in the 11th century, but its major expansion began after Raymond II, Count of Tripoli, granted it to the Knights Hospitaller in 1142. The military order rebuilt the fortress with massive walls, towers, a moat, and layered defenses suited to controlling routes through the County of Tripoli. The Hospitallers held it until the Mamluk conquest in 1271.

The name can cause confusion because “Crac des Chevaliers” is a historical French form, while “Krak des Chevaliers” is the standard English article title and quiz answer. It should also not be confused with Qal'at Salah El-Din, another Syrian fortress included in the same UNESCO World Heritage property.

UNESCO recognized Krak des Chevaliers and Qal'at Salah El-Din together in 2006. The castle suffered damage during the Syrian Civil War, but conservation and restoration work has continued.