The old Montfort Fortress is one of the most beautiful crusader fortresses in Israel. There are more complete, preserved and larger ones, but none offer the views which the Montfort offers from its height: the beautiful gorge of Kziv Stream and the deep green densely forested mountain slopes. The site is now a national park inside the Kziv stream (Nahal Kziv) nature reserve. The fortress was built in the 12th century and served for the protection of the agricultural lots of the knights of nearby Mi'ilya. In 1228 the crusaders sold this fortress to the German Teutonic Knights, who translated its French name of Montfort (mont- mountain, and fort- strong, meaning the "strong mountain") into the German name of Starkenberg, which has the same meaning. In 1271 the Montfort was conquered and destroyed by the Mamluk leader, Baibars. Today, imagination provoking parts of this fortress remain: sections of walls, a fortified tower, vast cellars, rooms and a wine press. One can arrive here on foot from the parking lot which is near the town of Mitzpe Hila or go on a trail from Goren Park which goes down to Kziv Stream and climbs up to the fortress.
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
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Tour Duration: About- 6 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
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It was a city, it was a state, but nature has always ruled Akhziv
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