Ajloun Castle

Nature has been very benevolent to Jordan for it has given Jordan the beautiful Ajloun Castle. Though the castle is man-made, Nature also had a hand in its construction. The huge Islamic Castle stands on the top of Jabal Auf near Ajloun. The castle was formally known as Qalaat er-Raabad and it is an ancient site in the Ajloun forests region.

Ajloun Castle towers above the green hills and can be seen from many miles away. The huge Castle was built by Izz al-Din Usama who was a nephew and commander of Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi (also known as Saladin). The fortress is one of the few fortresses built to protect the country from Crusader attacks. The castle had command and control over a very wide area of the kingdom. The primary function of the castle was to protect the communication and trade routes between Syria and Jordan. It also performed another very important function of protecting the iron mines of Ajloun.

Ajloun Castle was expanded in the year 1214 to its present state. The castle is one of the best preserved monuments representing medieval Arab-Islamic Military architecture. One of the important features of Ajloun Castle is a dry moat which surrounds the castle. There is a drawbridge at the main fortified entrance. Within the castle is labyrinth which contains long vaulted passages, a series of winding staircases, and long ramps. You will also find enormous rooms that served as dining halls, dormitories, stables, and eleven water cisterns. Have a look at the private quarters of the Lord of the Castle which also includes a stone bathtub. Go to the top of the castle from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Jordan Valley and the surrounding highlands.

There are a number of restaurants in the immediate vicinity of Ajloun Castle which makes it very convenient for visitors to spend the entire day at the castle. You will find other important sites near the castle such as the birth place of Prophet Elijah, and the Church of St. Elijah. You can also see a number of ancient sites, water mills, forts, and villages.

The Ajloun Nature Reserve which covers an expanse of 13 square kilometers is located in the Gilead Hills which is close to the Ajloun Castle. This protected area is well known for its outstanding beauty and diverse wild life. The entire area comprises of Mediterranean type of hill country with open wood lands. The reserve was started in 1988 to start a captive-breeding program for Roe deer. The area’s cool forests, picnic areas, and walking trails attract visitors between the months of April to October.  The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has introduced two new hiking trails and has demarcated a special area for camping. You will also find a chalet-style of accommodation for those people who would like to stay here for the night. The entire area is full of oak, pistachio, pine, carob, and wild strawberry trees. Many of these trees are a source for firewood and medicines. Some of the plants have medicinal value which is said to cure some of the chronic and persistent diseases. If you travel three kilometers to the west of Ajloun, you will arrive at Aala’at ar-Rabad. This area is famous for their abundant pine forests and olive groves.  It is an excellent area for picnickers and hikers.

When you are in Jordan, do remember to visit Ajloun Castle and the surrounding areas. They are worth visiting.