Byblos Castle is one of the most iconic historical structures in Byblos, Lebanon. Built by the Crusaders in the 12th century upon the foundations of Roman and Phoenician ruins, it stands as a testament to a long sequence of civilizations that have inhabited the site. The castle was part of a larger fortification system, designed to secure a prominent port city along the Mediterranean coast. Overlooking ancient harbors and surrounded by a well-preserved old town, the castle is made up principally of limestone and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Visitors can walk among the ruins and imagine the bustle of ancient times, the strategic defensive role it played over the centuries, and the numerous hands it has passed through including the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Byblos itself is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with archeological finds dating back more than 7,000 years, making the castle an essential stop for any history enthusiast.