Hospitalier Fortress
The Hospitalier Fortress was a stronghold of the Crusader Knights Hospitalier, found in Acre during the Third Crusade.
The fortress was used as both a hospital and military quarters, and was located at the north of the poor district.
Layout
Outside the fortress, a stone Catholic cross marked the entrance, overlooking some stairs. Just through the main fortress gates was a courtyard made of stone, with a well at its center.
The inner fortress and hospital was accessible from any of the three remaining walls of the courtyard. The interior was filled with many closely-watched hospital beds, as well as a few wandering civilians. Some of the beds and operating tables contained corpses on them as well.
History
In 1191, the fortress was where Garnier de Naplouse both oversaw and experimented on patients. At this time, the fortress was heavily guarded, with only patients, soldiers and scholars allowed on the premises.
Later that year, the Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad infiltrated the fortress to assassinate Garnier.
Trivia
- Just west of the fortress, there is a herald who speaks of "overcoming tests," which is ironic, given that experiments and torture are conducted just down the street.
- In the poor district, it is possible to overhear rumors of what goes on inside the building.
- A view point is located atop the fortress' tower.
Gallery
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The inner courtyard of the fortress. -
The fortress' tower. -
The inner hospital.
