KOCHAV HA YARDEN (BELVOIR) – Jordan Valley

Ruins of a Crusader Fortress located 500 meters above the Jordan Valley that commands a breathtaking view of the valley below. Located 10 KM North of Bet Shean & built in 1168 by the Hospitaller Knights who purchased the site from a French nobleman by the name of Velos. Located close to the remains of an ancient Jewish town named Kochav, it has been identified as Agrippina, the 3rd station where beacons were kindled to announce the arrival of the new moon at the start of each Hebrew month.

The structure is built on the ruins of former Persian & Byzantine villages and served as a major obstacle to the Muslim goal of invading the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem from the east. Saladin (1171-1193), a Muslim of Kurdish descent, was the first Sultan of Egypt & Syria and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. He captured the fortress in 1189 after a siege of 18 months & allowed the defenders to leave after relinquishing their weapons. Fearful that the Crusaders would reoccupy the site, later Sultans, destroy the structure in 1220. The complex covers an area of 14000 SQ M & the plan is made up of 3 concentric rectangles, in which the inner and outer rectangles are reinforced with watchtowers at each of the corners. The main access to the fortress is via a 90 degree angled opening designed to slow down the forward thrust of prospective enemies. The structure houses a large cistern, refectory, metal workshop as well as storage and sleeping facilities. Both basalt & limestone were used in its construction. The north, south & west sides are surrounded by a dry moat & a defensive wall known as a barbican protects the eastern side. The postern, a hidden backdoor, allowed the inhabitants of the fortress to leave & return in secret. The walls are punctuated with archer slits and the inner ceilings are made up of vaults typical of Crusader architecture, as are the lancet arches.

In later years it was the location of an Arab village which was abandoned during the 1948 War of Independence. Today the site is also home to both a Griffon Vulture feeding station and sculpture garden which exhibits the works of the Israeli sculptor Igael Tumarkin. (born 1933) Note: It is best to visit the site in the afternoon when the sun is in the west. Ron Traub ( Tour Guide & Architect ) Website : rontraub-tours.com Photo's : Rimonah Traub.