Sidon Sea Castle

The current remains of Sidon Sea Castle center on two main towers linked by a defensive wall, forming the core of the fortress. This layout reflects typical military architecture from the Crusader period, adapted and modified in later centuries. The western tower stands to the left of the entrance and is rectangular in shape. It is better preserved than the eastern tower, providing a clearer picture of the original Crusader design.

Structural reinforcements in the outer walls include horizontally embedded Roman columns. Incorporating these ancient elements was a common practice in constructions near or on former Roman sites, both to strengthen walls and to repurpose available materials. Inside the western tower, visitors can find a large vaulted hall—a vaulted hall is a space with an arched stone ceiling—where fragments of carved capitals (decorative tops of columns) and rusted cannonballs remain. A spiral staircase inside leads to the tower’s roof.

Atop the western tower is a small mosque with a domed roof, dating to the Ottoman era. Although not part of the original Crusader design, this structure reflects the castle’s continued use and adaptation under later rulers. From this rooftop vantage point, one can see the old city of Sidon and its fishing harbor.

The eastern tower reveals a more complex construction history. Its lower portion is attributed to the Crusader era, while an upper section was added by the Mamluks following their conquest. This tower is less intact than its counterpart, offering just fragmentary evidence of its full form.

Beneath the water around the castle, archaeological investigations have uncovered numerous remains from the ancient Phoenician city submerged in the sea. These finds include sections of walls, columns, staircases, statues, and cisterns, providing evidence of a once-thriving settlement now partly underwater. These underwater ruins connect the castle to its deep historical roots and the maritime heritage of Sidon.