Desert Castles in Jordan

Qasr Kharaneh

This beautifully structured castle is one of the famous desert castles in Jordan reflecting the splendid architecture of Islamic art.

Located at a distance of about 65 km to the east of the town of Amman this imposing monument was used as residence by the rulers who came here to rest when they grew tired of the city life. They came here to relax and be rejuvenated. It also served as resting houses for the government officials. This is a very well preserved Ummayad structure in the country containing 61 rooms which are in two levels in the compound.

The walls of the Qasr Kharaneh, Jordan have narrow openings which are used for ventilation and lighting. On each side of the long passage way there is a room that served the purpose of being a store room and a stable. There is a tank in the courtyard which collected water from the rains. More water was obtained from the seep holes that were there in the valley bed that was close to the structure. There are traces of Sassanian influences in the architecture. This is a must visit while you are on tours to the place.

Qasr Amra

This stunning desert castle was built by the Umayyads as a pleasure and sporting retreat and contains an early 8th century baths complex in a triple vaulted building full of colorfully painted frescoes. Although somewhat scarred by time, these frescoes depict dancing women and then abundant animal life of the desert area. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics.

The original well and underground water system can still be seen in the castle, that is one of the best preserved monuments, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Qasr Azraq

Qasr Azraq is a castle built of basalt, located in the middle of the Azraq Oasis, about 100km east of Amman and is in the middle of an oasis. It was originally constructed as a Nabataean or Roman fort and was later rebuilt by the Mamelukes in the 13th century. Azraq means 'the blue one' and was on the old trade routes, even Lawrence of Arabia used the castle as his headquarters during his time there. The wetlands area is set up as a nature reserve as well as the Shaumari reserve which is 10 km south of the town. When you enter the castle observe the huge wooden doors and well worn floor.

 Karak Castle

An ancient Crusader stronghold, Karak sits 900m above sea level and lies inside the walls of the old city. The city today is home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like. But it is undoubtedly Karak Castle which dominates.

While the castle we see today essentially dates back to the 12th century, Karak has been a fortress since biblical times. The Bible relates how the King of Israel and his allies from Judah and Edom ravaged Moab and besieged its king Mesha in the fortress of Kir Heres, as Karak was then known.

Kerak Castle is a typical example of Crusader architecture, with Romanesque-style stone vaults, numerous corridors, and strong doorways. The Crusader parts of the ruins are mostly on the upper level and can be identified by their dark volcanic tufa; later Arab additions are in white limestone.

Through a massive door (ask at the ticket office), steps lead down to vast, dimly-lit, vaulted rooms and corridors underground.

The upper courtyard includes the remains of a Crusader chapel and provides excellent views over the Jordanian landscape to the Dead Sea.

The west wing of the complex is home to the small Kerak Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts excavated at the site.