The Damascus Citadel was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. Its origins date back to the late twelfth century AD, during the reign of Salah al-Din in particular, and it is part of the historic city wall. This castle takes the shape of a rectangle, and includes 12 high towers and several large stone gates. It is made of basalt and carbonate stone, and its walls are interspersed with openings that were intended for throwing arrows in ancient times.