Beaufort Castle stands on a sheer cliff above the Litani River gorge, its walls commanding views that stretch from the Mediterranean coast on a clear day to the slopes of Hermon. It was built by Crusaders in the 12th century on the ruins of an earlier Arab fortification, and its strategic position — controlling a key crossing point of the Litani — made it one of the most contested strongholds in medieval and modern Lebanon.
The castle suffered significant damage during the Lebanese Civil War and Israeli occupation, and some sections remain unsafe. What remains, however, is still highly impressive: the thick Crusader walls, the tower keep, and the dramatic clifftop setting make it one of the most atmospheric historical sites in Lebanon. The approach road through the village offers views of the castle from below before the final climb to the gates. Check security conditions before visiting, as the area has been subject to conflict and access restrictions in recent years.