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 Monfor  87 pictures
 2.45 minutes HQ video On a narrow mountain, in the west of the Upper Galilee, above Kziv river, a picturesque Crusader castle is located. It is located far from any main road, a strategic observation point, or a border. Shortly after it was built, in the 12th century, the castle was used for protecting the nearby agricultural lands, whose owner settled in the "king's castle" in Ma'ilia. Monfor  As suits a castle, its placement was carefully selected. Steep slopes protected it from south and from north. To the west, the slope is less steep. The more convenient access to the castle was separated from the castle by the builders, digging a deep moat. The castle was occupied by Saladin in 1187, after his great victory in Karney Hittim. But the Crusaders came back and re-occupied the place after a while. The place was eventually sold and became the property of the German Tabatonic Order. The name "Monfort" reflects its military, strategic advantages: The French name means "the strong mountain. The German name to it bears a similar meaning: "Starkenberg". This is where they established their headquarters upon leaving Acre, and that is also were they guarded their treasures and archive. For that purpose, the fact that the castle was relatively far from anywhere, gave it an advantage. In order to fortify it, the Tabatons, in the 13th century built the castle the way it looks in present days. In 1266, the Mamluks blockaded the castle, but failed to occupy it. During the second blockade, after part of the previous fortification had been ruined five years later, the nobles of the place agreed to leave the place without a fight. Permitted by the Mamluk commander Bibberas, they took their money and archive and returned to Acre.      Back to Israel Index
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