The Crac des Chevaliers, one of the most renowned medieval monuments, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Originally founded in the 11th century, it was captured by the Crusaders in the early 12th century and subsequently handed over to the Order of St. John in 1142. The Johannites expanded and fortified the castle, which controlled the critical passage between the Syrian coast and the interior. Over several construction phases, the fortress developed into one of the most formidable military centers of the period. Covering an area of 3 hectares, the multi-storey concentric fortress successfully withstood Muslim attacks until 1271.
Since the 1920s, Crac des Chevaliers has been a priority monument for preservation, but it suffered severe damage when it was occupied by armed rebels from 2012 to 2014, as it became a key frontline location.
In 2016, at the request of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums of Syria (DGAM), the Institute of Archaeology at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE) began an assessment of the damage to the fortress, aiming to assist in its restoration planning and conducting joint archaeological research. The efforts that started in the early years of the partnership will continue under the UNESCO Technical Assistance Programme from 2019 onward, to restore and preserve this iconic site.
