Taba's famous landmark is a clump of multi-trunked Sudanese doum trees. The site has been a caravan stop since biblical times and is today the most northern resort on the Egyptian Red Sea Riviera. From here it is a short ferry ride to the long, rocky Pharaoh's Island (Gezirat Faraoun) which some identify with the biblical port of Etzion-Geber. The castle was built in the 12th century to protect trade routes and pilgrims travelling between Jerusalem and St. Catherine's monastery. In 1170 the island was captured by Salah-ed-din, and in 1182, by the Crusaders. It was later taken over and added to by the Ottomans. The castle has been partially restored and today tourists swim, snorkel and dive around its knellated walls.