Ajloun — The Crusader Fortress★★
Qal'at Ar-Rabad (Ajloun Castle)
22 km west of Jerash, perched on a hill above green pine forests, stands Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad). This Muslim fortress was built in 1184 by a general of Saladin — as a strategic response to the Crusader castles beyond the Jordan Valley (like Belvoir in Israel). Its purpose: to control the iron ore mines, the trade routes between the Jordan Valley and Syria, and communication via fire signals between Damascus and Cairo.
The castle is impressively preserved: Massive walls, deep moats, narrow spiral staircases, and tower rooms bring the medieval atmosphere to life. From the towers, there is a fantastic panoramic view over the Jordan Valley to the mountains of Palestine and Israel — on clear days, even the Temple Mount in Jerusalem can be glimpsed.
Inside, a small museum provides information about the history of the castle and the Crusades. The walk from the parking lot to the castle (10 minutes) leads through a shady forest — in spring, wild orchids and poppies bloom.
Ajloun Forest Reserve
The Ajloun Forest Reserve (13 km²) is managed by the RSCN and protects one of the last oak, pistachio, and strawberry tree forests in the Middle East. Three hiking trails (2–8 km) lead through the forest, and there are cozy wooden cabins for overnight stays (35–60 JOD). In spring (March–May), the forest is at its most beautiful.
💡 Tipp
Jerash and Ajloun can be perfectly combined as a day trip from Amman: In the morning, head to Jerash (1-hour drive), spend 3 hours visiting, then continue to Ajloun (30 minutes), have lunch in the village, visit the castle, and return to Amman by sunset.
