Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Castle

Introduction Built in 1184, Ajloun Castle was initially constructed to block — traffic. Its completion marked the point when Saladin’s military power in the region began to surpass that of —, and four years later, the — fortress of Karak was captured. After the war, as a key link in Jordan’s north-south chain of castles, it served communication and protection roles for trade routes. The castle is a prime example of Arab military architecture. Perched high above the Jordan Valley, it offers expansive views. The structure is circular in shape, with thick, sturdy stone walls full of arrow slits. Surrounding the castle is a wide, deep moat, and access is only possible via a drawbridge. The interior is divided into three levels, each containing halls, living quarters, storage rooms, and more. Comparing Ajloun Castle with Karak Castle, one can see that although both are military fortresses with similar architectural structures, they also exhibit distinct styles due to the different ethnic and religious backgrounds of their builders. Ticket / Opening Hours: 0.5 dinar. Opening Hours: Summer 8:00–19:00, Winter 8:00–17:00

Irbid, Jordan