Beaufort Castle, also known as Qal'at al-Shaqif or Shaqif Arnoun, is a medieval fortress in the Nabatieh Governorate of southern Lebanon. It stands near the village of Arnoun, on a rocky outcrop that gives it a commanding position over the surrounding land.
The castle was built by the Crusaders in 1139. Its site was chosen for strategic reasons, and the rock it rises from is the first thing a visitor notices as the road climbs toward it. The ruins that remain give a clear sense of how a defensive stronghold was laid out on high ground.
What a visit offers
- Views across southern Lebanon, which the position of the castle was chosen to command.
- On a clear day, a sweep of land that reaches into northern Israel.
- The chance to walk among the remains of a medieval fortress and consider its role in the landscape.
Because the castle sits on a height, it suits visitors who enjoy historic sites with a strong outdoor character. The setting is as much a part of the experience as the masonry itself, and it rewards a slow visit with time to look out over the countryside.
Getting there
The castle is in the Arnoun area of the Nabatieh Governorate. Visitors planning a trip may find it useful to combine it with other sights in the region, as the surrounding governorate offers further places to explore in the same journey. It is worth checking the current conditions of the site and the road before setting out.