Overview

Bibliography

Hunin castle takes its name from the nearby Palestinian village, but its proper name is Chateau Neuf. It was built by Hugh of St. Omer in 1107. The castle guarded the west side of the Hulah valley, opposite the castle at Banias.

Little is known of Chateau Neuf. The castle was destroyed in 1167 by Nur ed-Din. It was rebuilt in 1178, only to be unsuccessfully attacked by Saladin in the same year. Eventually, after a five month siege in 1187, the castle surrendered to al-Adil, Saladin's brother. The castle was intentionally destroyed in 1222 by al-Muazzam to keep it from falling under the control of the Crusaders. The castle was again rebuilt in 1267 by Baybars, presumably as a counterpart to his castle (Nimrod Fortress) on the east side of the valley. Afterwards, Chateau Neuf is not mentioned in the historical record.

Chateau Neuf has not survived well. Only one building on the southern side of the castle remains standing, and it gives evidence of multiple phases of building. Because the castle has not been surveyed or excavated, little is know of the interior of the castle. The overall dimensions of the castle are 86 by 65 meters. No towers have been identified, but the northern side of the castle is protected by a deep dry moat.