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Hama/
Sheizar's Citadel
On a ragged steep cliff in what's called the cock's comb lies Sheizar's Citadel about 25 kilometers to the north east of Hama. Historical records state that the name of this citadel was mentioned in the writings of the third generation phoroas and also in the documents of Tahutemer in 1500 BC while describing one of his military campaigns to Syria.
Undoubtedly the geographic location of the citadel gave it a military importance in history as it overlooks the Orontes valley and holds control over the interior roads. The citadel has an area of 12500 sqm and has gained its Arabic name Sheizar.
It came to know various names before such as " Shinzar - Caesar - Sinzar - Sedzara - Laresa etc...".
Sheizar's citadel is a good example of the art of engineering, and architecture of the Ayyoubid military science. It is famous for its walls and towers some of which are still standing. It is also famous for its invulnerable entrance which is composed of three floors comprising the main (turret) made of huge boulders supported by cylindrical pillars. The entrance has many defensive terraces.
To access the entrance you have to cross the stone bridge over a very deep narrow valley.
Arabic writings are found over the gate and in many other places in the citadel denoting information about time and area of construction.
Since Sheizar's citadel is very ancient, Roman and Byzantine features are found in its architecture. Many archeological items unearthed there are on display in the museum of Hama
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