John's Castle

Tripoli, North Lebanon, Lebanon

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John's Castle, also known as the Citadel of Tripoli or the Castle of Saint Gilles, is a historic fortress in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, originally constructed around the early 12th century during the Crusader siege of the city.

Built on a strategic hill to control access and supplies to Tripoli, it was named after Raymond of Saint-Gilles, one of the chief Crusader leaders. The castle incorporates earlier Muslim structures such as a small mausoleum and has undergone many modifications and restorations through the centuries, particularly by the Mamluks and Ottomans who used it as a military stronghold and administrative center.

Today, it represents a significant architectural and historical monument, reflecting Tripoli's rich medieval past and its importance as a contested site during the Crusades and later Islamic and Ottoman rule.