Some travel books I have waxed lyrical writing about this small town in the mountains, a half hours ride from Tartus. In my opinion the, indeed fine, country is being built over to an extent that I would not be so enthusiastic. It's nice, that should do. My main reason to go and visit the town was its Crusader Church of St. Michael, a Frankish donjon (strong tower used as a fortress). The area was captured by the Crusaders at an early date, early twelfth century. It was taken in 1271 by the Mamluk Sultan Baybars when on his way to the Krak des Chevaliers (which can be seen in the distance on a clear day).

I visited also the Christian graveyard and took (apart from shots of the surrounding olive field) some general shots of the town. My visit lasted too short to pay it proper attention.