Crusader Castle Caco (‏قاقون‎)

After conquering the area around 1101, the Crusaders erected Caco Castle, first documented in 1123. It belonged to the domain of Caesarea, whose lord was a vassal of the King of Jerusalem. Sultan Saladin managed to briefly capture the fortress, but it was retaken in 1191 during the Third Crusade. The castle initially passed to the Knights Templar but was soon acquired by the Knights Hospitaller. In 1265, Mamluk Sultan Baibars I conquered the fortress and had it expanded. In late 1271, during the Seventh Crusade, Prince Edward of England made an unsuccessful attempt to recapture the castle while the Mamluks were fighting the Mongols in Aleppo. Despite rich spoils from plundering the surrounding area, the citadel could not be taken, and the Crusaders had to retreat before an approaching Mamluk relief army. The castle then remained permanently in Muslim hands.

The ruin of the Crusader castle of Caco is located in Zemer, in the Central District of Israel, at an elevation of approximately 37 meters above sea level.

The remains of the historic fortress are preserved as a ruin today and are accessible to visitors.

• Crusader castle Hurvat Burgata (Fortress), approx. 6.2 km away
• Crusader castle Qalansawe (Sacred Building), approx. 8.6 km away
• Ancient City of Caesarea Maritima (Ancient Buildings), approx. 18.3 km away
• Ancient City of Samaria (Ancient Buildings), approx. 20.5 km away