Karak Castle
A Crusader Castle Built From 1142 Under Pagan The Butler, One Of The Largest In The Levant, Captured By Saladin In 1188 After A Siege, With Long Vaulted Galleries, A Keep And An Archaeological Museum. Part Of The King'S Highway Route Between Amman And Petra. · Karak, Karak
Karak Castle is a huge Crusader fortress on a hilltop in the town of Karak, on the King's Highway about 125 km south of Amman. It was begun in 1142 under Pagan the Butler, the Lord of Oultrejordain, and later held by Reynald of Chatillon, whose raids on caravans helped provoke Saladin. Saladin besieged it in 1183 and 1184 and took it in 1188, and the Mamluks and Ottomans used it after him. Inside are long, dark, vaulted galleries, a keep, a chapel, dungeons, and a small museum, with views toward the Dead Sea from the walls. The honest picture is a medium-sized castle, not a polished one: the stone is steep and uneven, the passages are dim and have no railings, and parts are rough ruin. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, bring a torch, and pair it with a stop for mansaf in the town. It fits well on a King's Highway road trip between Madaba and Petra. Karak is a working market town, so lunch, tea and a short walk through its streets are part of the visit. Dress modestly and expect a friendly, unhurried welcome.
Crusader fortress on a hill in the town of Karak on the King's Highway, about 125 km south of Amman and 130 km north of Petra, Karak, Karak, Jordan
The castle is open daily, usually from morning until late afternoon, with an earlier close in winter. Tickets are sold at the gate and the Jordan Pass covers entry. The galleries are dark inside, so come while there is daylight. Some passages may be CLOSED for repair or after rain, so confirm locally.