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 [Castle] ar-Rabad), which was built in
1184 by 'Izz 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
northern 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.
WHAT TO SEE
Ajloun Castle (Qal'at ar-Rabad), open
09:00-17:00 daily, tel. (02) 6420956. Admission
fee is 1 JD.
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