This Arab fortress is located 25 Km North west of Hama, at an important crossing point on the Orontes. The site of this fortress is said to date back to a regiment of Thessalonian cavalry from Alexander's army. 

In 999 the Byzantines took over the castle from the Arabs, while trying to take Syria back from the Fatimid rule. It was taken by a local clan in 1081, and was used as an Arab stronghold against the crusaders who had based themselves at Apamea. The crusaders and the Latin prince Tancred could not take it from the Arabs.

Much of it was destroyed in the 1157 and 1170 earthquakes although it was rebuilt by both Nur Al Din and Saladin respectively. It also suffered great damage by the first of the Mongol invasions and then rebuilt by Baibars. What is seen of the castle today owes much to Baibars and his inheritor Qalaun.

Sheizar, is erected on a rocky ridge 50 meters wide and surrounded by a 50 meter deep moat. The fixed bridge is supported by two levels of arches. The bridge leads to a strongly constructed salient, which probably dates back to 1290. A lot of the tower is missing, except for a few windows. Along the ridge to the more vulnerable side of the castle you will find a two-story keep, which comprised of two shooting rooms and ribbed vaults. The view from here is excellent.