# Al-Qadmus Castle

- **Country:** Syria
- **Coordinates:** 35.101389, 36.161111
- **Notes:** Crusader Castle
- **Condition:** Ruins
- **Year Built:** 11th–12th centuries
- **Castle Type:** Hilltop castle

Al-Qadmus, historically known as Cadmus, is a town situated in northwestern Syria within the Tartus Governorate and the Baniyas District. Located just east of the Mediterranean coast, the settlement lies approximately 14 kilometers southeast of Baniyas and northeast of Tartus. The town serves as the administrative center for the al-Qadmus sub-district, which encompassed 25 localities and a collective population of over 22,000 people according to 2004 census data. The town itself recorded a population of 5,551 during that same period. Demographically, the inhabitants are composed almost equally of Ismailis and Alawites, reflecting the diverse religious makeup characteristic of this specific region of the Syrian coastal mountains.

The most prominent historical feature of the area is the ruined Al-Qadmus Castle, which stands on a plateau roughly 850 meters above sea level, overlooking the town below. While the provided text does not specify the exact year of construction or detailed architectural styles, the fortress is a significant landmark tied to the area's medieval history. Its elevated position on the plateau suggests it was strategically built to command views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby coast. The structure currently exists in a ruined state, serving as a silent testament to the region's turbulent past and the various powers that once contested control over these highlands.

Today, Al-Qadmus remains a quiet administrative hub rather than a major tourist destination, with its primary significance lying in its local governance role and historical heritage. The castle ruins offer a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the region, though specific details regarding restoration efforts or current public access are not extensively documented in available summaries. The town continues to function as a central point for the surrounding villages, maintaining its cultural identity through its unique demographic balance. The presence of the castle adds a layer of historical depth to the landscape, marking Al-Qadmus as a place where ancient strategic importance meets modern rural life in the Tartus Governorate.

![Photo of Al-Qadmus Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Tartous%2C_ch%C3%A2teau_de_qadmus_%28M%C3%A9diHAL_5039168%29.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qadmus_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)