Safita is one of the loveliest towns in Syria. Located in the Jabal Ansariye, the village sits on a hill overlooking the countryside dotted with fruit and olive orchards, and suggests villages of southern Europ.

All roads in the village lead to what was a Frankish keep (dungeon). The region fell early to the crusaders: in 1112 the village was under the dominion of the count of Tripoli.

The keep was built as part of a defense system for Tartous. Nur Al Din in 1167 through 1171 destroyed part of the fortress in retaliation for crusader piracy against Egyptian merchant ships.

The major work of the keep dates from 1188 when the knights Templar took control. However, most work of the present century is a result of rebuilding after the earthquake in the 12^th century.

The tower is of note for it is a fine example of crusader architecture in Syria. The castle today serves as the main Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to Saint-Michael.