Masyaf

Coordinates: 35°3′55.23″N 36°20′31.51″E / 35.0653417°N 36.3420861°E

Masyaf
مصياف

A view of Masyaf Castle from ground level

Motto:

Masyaf Castle 2
Masyaf

Location in Syria

Coordinates: 35°03′N 36°20′E / 35.050°N 36.333°E
Country  Syria
Governorate Hama
District Masyaf
Subdistrict Masyaf
Elevation 447 m (1,467 ft)
Population (2009)
  Total 37,109
  Religions Ismaili
Alawite

Masyaf (Arabic: مصياف Miṣyāf) is a city in Syria, in the Hama Governorate, notable for its large medieval castle. It was used by Hashashin/Assassin order as their main headquarters after the destruction of their former and first headquarters, Alamut.

In popular culture, Masyaf is known for its appearance in the Assassin's Creed video game series. In that series, the castle of Masyaf is the headquarters of the Assassins. Although the castle once did really house the infamous Assassins, the game features a Middle Ages version of the town, as the castle and its surroundings are similarly comparable to Masyaf and its castle in the 12th century AD, but are not exact.

Ruins of Masyaf Castle