Overview:

Kerak Castle is a massive Crusader fortress in Jordan that was originally constructed in the 12th century. Located near the city of Kerak in the southern part of the country, its breathtaking architecture and strategic location have contributed to its prominent place in Jordan's history. Over the centuries, it was occupied by a diverse group of inhabitants, including Arabs, Mameluks, Ayyubids, and Crusader knights. Today, it is a well-preserved archaeological site and tourist attraction that gives visitors a chance to explore a piece of Jordan's past. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. Fortified Citadel: Kerak Castle is a large fortified citadel located in the town of Al-Kerak, in southern Jordan. It is also known as the "Castle of al-Karak". Built by the Crusaders during the 12th century, the castle played an important role in defending the region against Muslim forces. 2. Monumental Entrance: The main entrance to Kerak Castle is a monumental archway, which dates back to the time of the Crusaders. It is decorated with carvings of crosses and symbolic motifs, and is surrounded by two towers. 3. Impressive Courtyards and Halls: Inside Kerak Castle, visitors will find many impressive courtyards, halls and chambers. Some of the most impressive areas include a great hall, which was used for court proceedings, and an underground prison. 4. Historical Significance: Kerak Castle has a long and intriguing history, which dates back to the 12th century when it was built by the Knights Hospitaller. It has been fought over by numerous prominent leaders, including Saladin, King Baldwin II and Richard the Lionheart. 5. Amazing Views: Kerak Castle stands atop a hill, providing amazing views of the sprawling city of Al-Kerak and the nearby Dead Sea. Visitors can also climb to the highest point of the castle to view the ancient ruins of the biblical town of Sodom. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Kerak Castle is a large crusader castle located in southern Jordan. It was originally built in the 12th century by Pagan, a vassal of King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, to protect Jerusalem from invasion by Muslim forces. Over the centuries the castle has had many rulers and was the scene of numerous battles between rival Muslims and Christian forces. During the 1187 Siege of Jerusalem by Saladin, the castle was a base of operations for their forces. In 1247, Kerak Castle was taken by the Mongols and its dome was destroyed. In 1260, the Mamluk Sultan Baibars retook the castle and began a major rebuilding program, which included expanding and fortifying the castle's walls. In 1302, Kerak Castle was retaken by the Knights Hospitaller led by the Grand Master Juan de Dampierre during the Seventh Crusade. The Hospitallers held the castle for over a century until it was captured by the Mamluks in 1489. The Ottomans took control of the castle in 1517, and it remained in their control until the British took control of it after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War I. Kerak Castle is currently open to the public. It is a popular tourist destination and provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Built in the 1140s, Kerak Castle is an enormous castle located in southern Jordan. 2. The castle was originally built by Pagan prisoners of the First Crusade. 3. The castle dominates the skyline of the town of Kerak and is one of the largest Crusader castles in the Middle East. 4. The castle was later modified by Crusaders and Ayyubid rulers, as well as by Mamluks and Ottomans. 5. The castle has an irregularly shaped design, with its massive towers and large enclosures, which allowed it to defend its strategic location atop the elevated terrain. 6. The castle includes multiple wings, interconnecting towers, a huge inner hall, and over 200 rooms spread over an area of about 8,000 square meters. 7. Over the centuries, the castle has been the site of multiple historical events, such as Richard the Lionheart’s victory over Saladin in 1187. 8. The castle was also besieged and sacked by the Arabs on multiple occasions. 9. Today, the castle is a major tourist attraction and is part of the World Heritage site “Archaeological Site of the Madaba Plains”. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.