Al-Mahalba Castle (or Platense Fort) is located about an hour away from the city of Latakia. It is one of the ancient castles dating back to the eleventh century AD, and it was seized by many empires such as the Byzantines, the Crusaders and the Franks, and then it was liberated by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in 1188 AD. This fortress is located on a hill with a height of up to 750 meters. It also consists of the remains of rooms, arches, towers and corridors surrounded by impregnable outer walls. It was subjected to a strong earthquake that destroyed many of its parts, but it is now being restored.