Ajloun Castle — Attraction in Ajlun

Ajloun Castle, also known as Qalaat ar-Rabad, is a historic fortress in northern Jordan, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and panoramic views. Here’s a breakdown of the experience:

History and Architecture Built in the 12th century by the nephew of Saladin, Ajloun Castle was designed as a defensive stronghold against the Crusaders. Its strategic location allowed it to control traffic along the road connecting Jordan and Syria. Visitors are often impressed by the architectural design, with its thick walls, towers, and stone corridors, showcasing Islamic military ingenuity.

Scenic Views One of the highlights is the breathtaking views from the top. Overlooking the Jordan Valley, the castle offers sweeping views of lush green hills, olive groves, and sometimes, on a clear day, you can see as far as the Dead Sea. The serene landscape contrasts beautifully with the ancient stone structure.

Interior and Exhibits Inside, visitors can explore well-preserved rooms, halls, and passageways. There are several information boards and exhibits detailing the castle's history, artifacts, and the role it played in the region. While not all areas are fully restored, it still offers a sense of what life was like during its heyday.

Accessibility The castle is easily accessible from Amman (about 1.5 hours by car), making it a great day trip. However, the walk to the top and navigating through the castle involves some stairs and uneven ground, which might be challenging for people with mobility issues.

Overall Experience Most visitors find Ajloun Castle to be a peaceful, historically enriching site that offers an escape into Jordan’s medieval past. It’s less crowded than other tourist spots in the country, which adds to its appeal for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate experience.

Tips: Go early to avoid the midday heat. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. A guide can greatly enhance the experience, explaining historical context that signage might miss. Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Great for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and...

I had the pleasure of visiting Ajloun Castle in 2014 and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The castle's rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the majestic presence of the castle, perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The well-preserved structure and its intricate details were truly awe-inspiring.

Exploring the castle's interior was like stepping back in time. The knowledgeable guides provided fascinating insights into the castle's history, sharing captivating stories and anecdotes that brought the site to life. The well-maintained exhibits and artifacts further enriched the experience, showcasing the castle's significance in the region's history.

One of the highlights was climbing to the top of the castle's towers, where I was rewarded with mesmerizing vistas of the Jordanian landscape. The views were simply breathtaking, and I couldn't resist taking numerous photographs to capture the beauty of the moment.

The castle grounds were well-maintained, with plenty of informative signage and resting areas. The staff members were friendly, accommodating, and more than willing to answer any questions I had.

Overall, my visit to Ajloun Castle was nothing short of extraordinary. Its historical significance, impressive architecture, and stunning surroundings make it a true gem in Jordan's cultural heritage. I highly recommend this site to anyone seeking an immersive and enchanting journey...

Ajloun Castle was built on the orders of Salahuddin's command. It was built basically to prevent the Crusaders from expanding in the Jordon valley. It also protected the trade routes, pilgrims and trade caravans between Damascus and lower Jordon. Fort was later expanded in stages. Today a small museum is located inside the castle. Some interesting relics, pottery and other articles found in excavations are displayed in the Museum. From objects and information displayed in the museum it appears that the location was inhabited since very long time. With growing importance given to tourism. The castle ruins are made tourist friendly to quite some extent. Do take time to read the information boards on display throughout the castle. It will give lot of information about history of Ajloun Castle and add to your enjoyment while going through the magnificent ruins, which at one time must have been formidable force centre. Also be careful while climbing to the top part of the castle, as the road is uneven, at times stones and bits and pieces of rocks protruding in the pathway. Extra care is required while climbing the stairs as most of them have no guard rails and a fall may ruin your holidays. The 360 degrees view of from the viewing platform surrounding hills, valleys with olive plantations , scattered villages and towns from the top portion of the castle is simply awesome. The scenic beauty will take your breath away. Makes the...