title: Castle Square, Beirut
text: # Castle Square, Beirut
  
  Castle Square is a square in Beirut, Lebanon, named after Beirut Castle that stood nearby until demolition in the late 19th century.
  
  Remains of a western extension of the castle are preserved within the square.
  
  ## Timeline
  
  * 8th century: Reinforcement of the Tell with a fortress.
  * Crusader period: A 6-meter-wide moat separated the southwestern tower from the lower city, protecting the castle from attacks.
  * 1827 and 1840: Heavy naval bombardments rendered the castle obsolete.
  * 1890s: The fort and the castle promontory were demolished to construct a road and railway.
  * 2010: Excavation for the construction of Castle Square revealed a western extension of the Crusader Castle.
  