The road to Ajloun, located 25 kilometers west of Jerash and 73 kilometers from Amman, winds through fertile green hillsides lined with olive groves. The main attraction in Ajloun is the stronghold of Qala'at Al-Rabadh, a fine example of medieval Arab/Islamic military architecture.

The castle was built between 1184-85 CE by the nephew of Salah Eddin Al-Ayyubi (known as Saladin), the great Muslim commander who waged a successful campaign to recover lost lands in the Crusader invasions.

Ajloun's strategic position commanding the Jordan Valley, as well as the three small valleys leading to it, made it an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders, who spent decades unsuccessfully trying to capture the castle and nearby village.

The fortress is built upon the apex of the hill above Ajloun, and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day you can see the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, the West Bank, and Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee).

Jordan Sites: Ajloun  ::  Amman  ::  Aqaba  ::  Bethany  ::  Dana Reserve  ::  Dead Sea  ::  Desert Castles  ::  Jerash
Karak  ::  Shobak  ::  Ma'in Spa  ::  Madaba  ::  Mount Nebo  ::  Pella  ::  Petra  ::  Umm Qais  ::  Wadi Rum