Masyaf
Lying at the foot of a fortress, 54 km from Banias, is the small village of Masyaf. This village, was founded by the Byzantines. It later fell into Arab, then Crusader hands who kept it under their control for over 35 years, and then by Ismaelian garrisons. 

The fortress is quite well preserved and stands strong with its thick walls and its high keep. The architecture inside the fortress goes back to many different periods including Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine.

Ibn Wardan Castle
Located 63 Km to the northeast of Hama, is Qasr Ibn Wardan. This castle, built in the years of 561 - 564, is often considered one of the most beautiful of the castles built by Emperor Justinian. 

It possesses a pattern that is similar to the royal buildings of Constantinople. It is a complex of Palace, Church and Military Barracks. The palace was probably used by the Governor of the region, and a lot of it has been restored by the Antiquities Department. The church part of the complex is the most interesting feature, and nothing remains of the Barracks.

Asriyeh Castle
This is situated 110 Km to the east of Hama, and used to be a station for trade caravans traveling between the north and the south. The most interesting feature is the Roman Temple that dates back to the 1st century AD.

Deir Al Saleeb
Located on a rocky hill 40 Km to the southwest of Hama, are the basilicas of Deir Al Saleeb. There are two churches here that were built in the 5th century. 

Salamiyeh
Located 32 km east of Hama, is the ancient city of Salamiyeh, known under the Greeks as Salamess. This city has been known since the Assyrians and Babylonians in 3500 BC. It was taken over by the Hellenistic empire who built the citadel of Ash'Shamamis, which is 4 Km to the west of Salamiyeh and was surrounded by a deep moat. 

Also found at Salamiyeh are the Shrine of Al Imam Ismail, Ayyubid Baths, and the Citadel wall.