Ajloun

A short journey west from Jarash, through pine forest and olive groves, brings you to the town of Ajloun. Here is Ajloun Castle (also known as Qal’at [Castlel ar-Rabad), which was built in 1184 by ‘Jzz ad-Din Usama bin Munqidh, a nephew of Saladin, who defeated the Crusaders in 1189.

A fine example of Islamic architecture, the fortress dominated a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley and passages to it. From its hilltop position, Ajloun Castle protected the communication routes between south Jordan and Syria, and was one of a chain of forts, which lit beacons at night to pass signals from the Euphrates as far as Cairo.

Today, Ajloun Castle is a splendid sight and a fascinating warren of towers, chambers, galleries and staircases to explore, while its hilltop position offers a stupendous view of the Jordan Valley.