Okay, so this one is a bit of a schlep, but it's worth it. Krak des Chevaliers is basically almost a thousand years old (minus 23 years), and was the theater HQ for the Knights Hospitaller during all the Crusades. It is in kind of amazing shape, considering. It features tons of different architectural styles of all flavors and could probably still hold off a modern horde of infantry as long as they lacked artillery or air support. I am not including the usual Google map because Google doesn't have imagery of Syria at any useful level. The Krak features a commanding view of the surrounding territory, curtain walls, an interior moat, its own aqueduct, and a perfectly delightful cafe in what used to be the keep. This is not a good place to bring a Frank or a Mussulman, because either would be offended by what was done to the chapel over the years as the Krak traded hands back and forth. Kind of a Hagia Sophia type situation. Maybe bring a Jew, then?
*TRAVEL ADVISORY WARNING* It is not recommended to bring a Jew to Syria; they may be confiscated at the border. Bring a Hindoo instead.
