Overview:

Ajloun Castle is a 12th-century fortified palace located in Ajloun in the North of Jordan near the city of Jerash. The castle was built by the Ayyubid rulers of Damascus to defend against the Crusaders. It is one of the best-preserved Islamic castles in the Middle East, and it has been restored to its former glory. The castle overlooks lush green wooded hills and the Jordan Valley and was built to protect the trade route between Damascus and Egypt. The castle and its grounds are a popular tourist attraction in Jordan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. Located in Northern Jordan, Ajloun Castle is a large Islamic-era fortress constructed in 1184-85CE by the Ayyubids. 2. Built to guard ancient trade routes to Damascus and to protect against Crusader attacks, it is set atop a high hill surrounded by lush forests. 3. Its features include towers, battlements, a gate courtyard and a mosque that contain inscriptions from the Koran. 4. This castle also served as a prison during the Mamluk period as well as a modern fortress during World WarI. 5. The castle has two entrances accessible by foot, one on the north side and one on the east side. 6. Many original features remain intact, including the stone lions on the gateway walls, some of the walls with arrow slits for defensive measures, and the 12th-century baptismal font. 7. Ajloun Castle has some great views and offers a great place to relax. 8. It is often referred to as the "Castle of Dervishes". 9. This castle is part of the Jordan Trail, which is a network of connected trails that traverse the country's unique landscapes. 10. Ajloun Castle is open to the public as a tourist attraction, giving visitors a chance to explore its intriguing architecture and take in stunning views of the surrounding nature. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Ajloun Castle, located in northern Jordan, is one of the earliest and most significant castles in the region. It was originally built in the late 12th century by the ruler of the Ayyubid dynasty, Saladin, during the Islamic reconquest of the Levant. The castle was strategically important due to its location atop a hill, as it allowed the Ayyubids to keep watch over the Iron Age settlement of Ajloun, as well as the nearby Roman ruins. The castle’s purpose was to defend against Crusader invasions, as well as the Mongols who were attempting to expand their empire into the Levant. In 1214, the castle was attacked and briefly taken by the Crusaders. However, it was quickly retaken by the Ayyubids and became a symbol of their strength in the region. During the Ottoman era, Ajloun Castle remained an important stronghold, being used to defend against attacks from both the European powers and the forces of Bedouin tribes. It was also the last castle to fall to the Ottomans during the conquest of the region. In the late 16th century, a new fortification was added to the castle by the governor of the region, Sharif Mas'ud ibn Makarza. Today, Ajloun Castle is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. It is managed by the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and is open to the public. The views from the top of the castle are spectacular, overlooking the surrounding valleys and hills. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Ajloun Castle is a 12th century Islamic Ayyubid castle situated in northwest Jordan. 2. The castle was built by the Ayyubid sultan Saladin in 1184–1185 in order to secure the iron and spice trade routes. 3. It was also an important link in the chain of forts and castles that Saladin built to protect his territory from the Crusaders. 4. Ajloun Castle was of great strategic importance and was used as a garrison for Saladin's armies during the Battle of Hattin in 1187. 5. The castle was restored by the Jordanian government during the 1980s and is now a popular tourist destination in Jordan. 6. It has become renowned for its military architecture and its fine view of the Jordan Valley. 7. Ajloun Castle is also featured on the Jordanian version of the 10 dinar banknote. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.