Aleika Castle1 or Aliqa Castle (Arabic: قلعة العليقة) is located in Aliqa, approximately 85 km from Tartus. The castle consists of two concentric structures. Historically (12th century) it was under Syrian Nizari Isma'ili control, and was used during the crusades. Cemetery stones are found in the castle with Latin inscriptions, which confirms that fights took place here during the Crusades. The Mamluk Sultan Baibars2 is mentioned in the archives of the Syrian Tourism ministry.3