#10014 Communing With Crusaders in Krak des Chevaliers, Syria

If you’ve ever wondered what a fairytale castle looks like, then come to Krak des Chevaliers. Built by the Crusaders over 800 years ago, and never breached in combat, the castle continues to spit in the eye of Old Man Time himself. Whereas most castles slowly crumble into piles of mouldy stones, Krak des Chevaliers stands proud. Imposing turrets loom upwards from brutal ramparts; open courtyards and vaulted halls take refuge behind unyielding fortress walls; a severe chapel provides assurance of salvation. Even the nooks and crannies are fully intact. The castle is so well preserved that you can almost smell the horses, the leather, and the sweat. Listen carefully, and you might just make out the clinking of chainmail, and the rasp of a carefully sheathed sword. And faintly, ever so faintly, the plaintive cry of a damsel in distress, drawing you back towards a time of heroes.