FORTRESS

The ensemble clearly differs from the contemporary constructions of the dead cities of the limestone massif. The fortress of Qasr Ibn Wardan betrays a strong influence of Byzantine architecture in the capital of the Empire, Constantinople.
Why install such a structure on the edge of the desert? Thanks to its strategic position, Syria in fact could, under Justinian, defend the Empire against the Persians in the east.
To do this, we had to build fortifications. Qasr Ibn Wardan (completed during the last year of the reign of Justinian in 564) is one of the most beautiful defensive creations of the time. The palace, probably residence and headquarters of Byzantine military chiefs responsible for monitoring borders, is built around a square courtyard that is reached by a large covered hall. On the right, we discover a beautiful room also covered. The two levels of the building communicate with interior stairs.