Jordan's desert castles, beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Greco - Roman traditions, tell countless stories of the life as it was during the fifth to the eighth centuries.

Called castles because of their imposing stature, the desert complexes actually served various purposes as caravan stations; agriculture and trade centers, resort pavilions and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins.

Several of these preserved compounds, all of which are clustered to the east and south of Amman, can be visited on one - or two - day loops from the city.

Qusair Amra, one of the most preserved castles, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics.

Qasr Al-Kharrana, has been restored and it is in excellent condition. The black basalt fort at Azraq, in continuous use since Roman times, was the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt.

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