Abandoned Castles and Fortresses That Look Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

25. Montfort Castle, Israel – Crusader Shadows

Hidden in the wooded hills of Israel’s Upper Galilee, Montfort Castle is a crumbling yet evocative relic of the Crusader era—its name derived from the French “mount of strength.” Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights after their split from the Templars, the castle served as both fortress and administrative headquarters for this elite military order. Perched atop a narrow, rugged ridge and protected on three sides by steep ravines, Montfort was practically impregnable—until the Mamluks conquered it in 1271 and left it in ruin. What remains today are jagged walls, a collapsed donjon, and archways now open to the elements. But what Montfort lacks in grandeur, it makes up for in atmosphere. The hike to reach it winds through dense oak forest and offers glimpses of wildflowers, hidden springs, and sweeping views of the Nahal Kziv valley below. Standing in the shadow of its ruins, it’s easy to picture knights pacing the ramparts, merchants arriving with goods, or banners fluttering in the wind. Montfort Castle isn’t just a destination—it’s a historical echo chamber, where every stone murmurs the secrets of crusades, conquests, and faith-fueled dreams left to the forest’s care.