5 things you need to know about the hidden secrets of Beaufort Castle
- Beaufort Castle, a dramatic ruin in Lebanon, was once a Crusader fortress and later a key stronghold for Hezbollah during the Israeli occupation, making it a site of intense modern military history.
- The castle sits on a steep cliff overlooking the Litani River, offering a strategic vantage point that has been fought over for centuries, from the Knights Templar to 20th-century militias.
- Recent preservation efforts have uncovered tunnels and underground chambers used as bunkers, revealing how the castle's medieval stonework was adapted for guerrilla warfare.
- Beaufort Castle is a popular but dangerous tourist spot; visitors can explore the ruins freely, though landmines and unstable structures pose real risks.
- The site is a symbol of resilience and conflict, often appearing in news about Lebanon's political tensions, and its name derives from the French "beau fort," meaning "beautiful fortress."