The Aleppo Citadel is a fortified palace in the center of the ancient city of Aleppo, Syria. It is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The citadel sits atop a 50-meter high hill, providing a strategic location for controlling the surrounding areas.
The citadel has had many different occupants throughout its history, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. Each group made their own contributions to the citadel, adding new walls, towers, and other fortifications.
The most prominent feature of the citadel is the massive 13th-century entrance gate, which is flanked by two massive towers. Inside the citadel, visitors can see the remains of ancient palaces, a mosque, a bathhouse, and other structures. There is also a museum with exhibits detailing the history of the citadel and the surrounding area.
The Aleppo Citadel has faced significant damage during the Syrian Civil War, with parts of it being destroyed or heavily damaged by shelling and fighting. However, restoration efforts are currently underway to repair and preserve the historic site.