Belvoir (Kokhav HaYarden, Star of the Jordan) is a Crusader fortress perched on a cliff 500 meters above the Jordan Valley, with views that extend from the Sea of Galilee to the mountains of Jordan. The name Belvoir, French for “beautiful view,” is not an exaggeration. The Crusaders knew how to pick a location, and this one is spectacular.
The Fortress
Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 1160s, Belvoir is a concentric castle, a fortress within a fortress, with an inner keep surrounded by an outer wall and a deep moat. The design was ahead of its time and made the castle nearly impregnable. Saladin besieged Belvoir in 1187 after his victory at Hattin, but the garrison held out for over a year before surrendering on terms in January 1189.
The Mamluks partially dismantled the fortress in the 13th century to prevent its reuse, but the ruins remain impressive. The concentric walls, the vaulted halls, and the cistern system are clearly visible, and the layout gives a vivid sense of how the castle functioned as both a military position and a self-contained community.
The View
The reason for the castle’s name becomes obvious the moment you reach the western wall. The Jordan Valley drops away below, with the Jordan River winding through the valley floor and the hills of Jordan rising on the far side. The Sea of Galilee is visible to the north. It is one of the most commanding panoramas in Israel.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
Belvoir is a hidden gem that Hoshen Tours includes in valleys and Jordan Valley itineraries, combining Crusader history with views that justify the name.