Castle·Ajloun Governorate
Ajloun Castle
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12th-century Ayyubid castle guarding the hills of northern Jordan.
Information
Built in 1184 by a general of Saladin, Qal'at ar-Rabad watched over the iron mines of Ajloun and the trade routes between Damascus and Egypt. Vaulted halls, arrow slits, and a deep dry moat are still intact, and the rooftop gives a wide view of the surrounding pine forests.
How to visit
Drive about 75 km north of Amman, or take a bus to Ajloun town and a short taxi up the hill. Stairs inside the castle are uneven; sensible shoes are advised. Visit the nearby Ajloun Forest Reserve for hiking trails and a soap-making workshop run by local women.