The remains of the fortress can be visited
FortressJericho (أريحا)
Crusader Castle Maldouin
The Crusader castle Maldouin, also known as Castrum Dumi or Cisterne rouge, is a historic fortress whose ruins are located between Jericho and Jerusalem in the Palestinian Territories. Its strategic location and connection to the biblical story of the Good Samaritan make it a remarkable testament to the Crusader era.
History+
The fortress of Maldouin was constructed in the mid-12th century by the Knights Templar. Its primary purpose was to protect the vital road connecting Jerusalem and the Jordan River, heavily used by Christian pilgrims traveling to the traditional baptism site of Jesus near Jericho. It is believed that the Templars utilized remnants of an existing Roman structure during its construction. The castle, situated on a hill, provided a safe resting place for pilgrims in the arid region and boasted extensive water reserves, including a cistern that remains to this day. Following the devastating Battle of Hattin in 1187, the castle was abandoned by the Templars and subsequently occupied by the Ayyubids, who, however, made no structural alterations. During the Barons' Crusade, Maldouin briefly returned to Crusader possession around 1241.
Location+
The Crusader castle Maldouin is situated in the Jericho region of the West Bank in the Palestinian Territories, at an elevation of approximately 279 m above sea level.
On site+
The remains of the Maldouin fortress are accessible to visitors today and can be explored.
Nearby+
- Ancient City of Tell es-Sultan (Ancient Structures), approx. 9.8 km away
- Lion's Gate (שער האריות, Sha'ar Ha'Arayot, باب الأسباط) (City Fortification), approx. 12.5 km away
- Golden Gate (שער הרחמים, Scha'ar haRachamim) (City Fortification), approx. 12.6 km away
- Herod's Gate (باب الساهرة bāb-as-sahairad, שער הפרחים, Sha'ar Hordos) (City Fortification), approx. 12.7 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maldoim-699.jpg?uselang=de
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 31.8176, 35.3614