Syria

Safita

Visible from both Krak Des Chevaliers and Tartous is the tower at Safita. This tower, which is located in the village of Safita is nearly the only part left of the Chastel Blanc of the Knights of the Templar. 

The Crusader fortress, which was part of the domains of the Count of Tripoli in 1112, was taken over by Nur Al Din and nearly completely demolished in 1167. After 1188 the knights Templar were given responsibility if this area and they reconstructed the fortress. It was then rebuilt and renovated again after the 1202 earthquake. In 1271 it fell to Baibars of the Mamelukes and the Knights were ordered by Tartous to evacuate. 

The watchtower is very typically blank with a few firing slits, but it is still in use as the town's main Greek Orthodox Church. It can be visited and it is possible to climb the steep steps up onto the roof, where the view is magnificent - it is possible to see Tartous and the Krak from here.