Qalat Al Jundi

 fortress, historical building

This fortress was built under the reign of Salah al Din (Saladin) in the 12th century and it covers the whole plateau of the table mountain. Still today the ruins are impressive, especially the one of the mosque and the cistern underneath as well as the house of the commander. At the gate, an inscription gives the information that the fortress was erected 583 Hijriya, that is 1187 AC. So this fortress was not designed to be a defence against the Crusaders as Salah al Din had already beaten them at that date. But it served to control the way from Egypt through the northern Sinai to Palestine. On top of the mountain and protected by thick walls, it was hardly to be conquered.
Breathtaking is the view from the top of the moutain down onto the desert plains of Tih in the east. It is worth a visit.